Well, it was only ever a matter of time before Ryan Adams released an album of songs with a Nashville country dialect. From his first solo album, HEARTBREAKER (a classic modern recording if ever there was one), he has bombarded us with great album after great album featuring his endearing voice, glorious melodies and supreme song writing. JACKSONVILLE CITY NIGHTS is no exception.

For this album Adams has teamed up with excellent country band The Cardinals and come up trumps. Opener A Kiss Before I Go leaves one in no doubt where this collection is heading. Lyrically it’s up to the standard now expected, melodically it could hardly be better, vocally it’s Adams at his most expressive and comfortable. And while the country vibe is omnipresent it is subtle and beautiful as expressed by these musicians. The next track signals the entry of country fiddles and Adams in storytelling mode, and adding some delicate touches on keyboards. Next up is one of my favourites from this glorious album, Hard Way To Fall. It reminds me of a previous Adams composition which is hardly surprising given the artist’s massive song output. He once again proves he is a wordsmith of note with lyrics like, “See all the rain on the streets, and the way the cars shine, and the Scotch that she drinks, with her lips so fine…” Looking through the sleeve notes I noticed that while the words are written exclusively by Adams, others have chipped in musically which I guess is a first for him during his solo career. The pace and mood of songs is nicely varied ranging from the rampant pace of The Hardest Part to the more contemplative, glacial speed of the gorgeous Games and Silver Bullets.

There are fourteen tracks here plus two bonus tracks, and not a duff note in sight. This is a fabulous album that Adams fans should flock to, while country music fans will find much to admire. Country rock really doesn’t get much better than this.

4.5/5