IN REVIEW: Ryan Adams- "Prisoner"

The 16th(!) proper studio album by Ryan Adams is a heartbroken affair, being his first platter of original material post-divorce (this coming a year and change after a song-for-song cover of Taylor Swift's 1989 album); that said, it isn't a totally sullen and dark record. The tunes are vibrant and interesting rather than bitter, bleak and depressing (although, to be fair, there is some of that lurking too), and the album is consistently engaging as a result.

Adams' discography has been somewhat spotty and cluttered over the years, but Prisoner feels especially focused; lead single Do You Still Love Me? and a couple of other fleeting moments aside, it's a largely acoustic, natural sounding record that never overdoes it on added instrumentation and yet doesn't come across as dull. It's a distillation of Adams' natural talent, and his first record in about a decade that showcases his effortless gift for songwriting without ever feeling tossed off or undercooked. It's also a deeply personal batch of songs seemingly designed to help Adams deal with his heartbreak; that it ranks up there with his best work may or may not contribute to his healing process, but it's nonetheless a welcome reward at this stage in his career.

February 17, 2017 • PaxAm/Blue Note
Highlights Do You Still Love Me? • Prisoner • We Disappear