Ryan Adams known for his work with the alt country band The Cardinals has released the solo album
Ashes & Fire.

The album is produced by legendary producer Glyn Johns who has worked with Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Midnight Oil, Eric Clapton and The Eagles just to name a few.

Glyn John’s production is spotless and the songs and instrumentation are given plenty of space to move, a well made record and dare I say it, may be too well made.

The first track “Dirty Rain” reminds me of the rhythm section from Neil Young’s “Old Man”. There is the same pace, the sparseness and tempo that Old Man has. Not a bad sound to have and with Glyn Johns at the wheel the production feels as if you may just be in the room with the band.  As Adams sings “Last time he was here it was raining, it ain’t raining anymore” there are some nice organ touches that move in and out with the clarity that this album has for each instrument that appears, nothing out of place.

The album does cross over into territory from the 70’s, Neil Young, The Eagles and even what seems to be a little reminder of Bruce Springsteen in “Lucky Now” but in a more restrained manner.

The track “Rocks” reminds me of a James Taylor acoustic intro. A lazy tempo leading up to an appearance of strings later in the song. Another nice tune and Adams sings it well as he does on all the tracks.

Below is a link to the Ashes and Fire acoustic promo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4VGlkcBtfw

“Do I Wait” has the band taking off for the first time as Adams sings “do I wait for you” and maybe this is where you feel at times you would like to see the album head. If there was a little more frantic playing , some risks taken with the vocals then maybe this album would grip you more. There’s an impression happening here that letting things rip a bit would just bring this album closer to the edge for the listener.

“Invisible Riverside” sees Adams singing “standin by the ocean like I’m freezing here in time” with some nice electric piano as he laments “not let go don’t change your mind”

With “Save Me” we enter ballad territory, a nice melody, acoustic guitar, piano and organ backing all done sparingly and with style. This has the feel and sound of a Jackson Browne track. Adams sings “what am I doing here, what am I” all questions we’ve all had and then, “somebody save me, it’s just too much pain” more introspection, more wondering.

Ashes & Fire isn’t a bad album. I really wished that it wasn’t so perfect in production and instrumentation, but that’s just me I like a rough edge.

I’ve listened to this album several times and there were quite a few moments where I felt I was listening to the artists mentioned earlier in this review. Not a bad thing, maybe not particularly an original sound, however I’m sure these new songs will appeal too many. I can’t help feeling though that Ryan Adams has more individualism in him than these current songs are showing.

This album may gain plenty of radio airplay, I’m sure there will be a great many people who will like this. Lovers of that American 70’s Neil Young / Jackson Browne era will understand and feel comfortable with the album.

For me, well I did enjoy the experience of listening to the album. I would like to see more risks taken, I like to find new parts to an album each time I listen, new noises and little mistakes that all add to the experience an album can bring.

Ashes and Fire lays it all out on the line for you straight away, and if you like your music like this then you will enjoy the new Ryan Adams album.

There are no risks here as Adams sings gently, songs of introspection and of waiting for a loved one.

I look forward to his next release, I wouldn’t be surprised if it has more edge.