Ryan Adams seems to have seen both the ups and the downs of the industry lately. Easy Tiger was a reasonable commercial success for Adams, but many fans were left unimpressed. 2007’s Follow the Lights renewed the hope for some fans, but others still were disappointed.

His new highly-anticipated record, Cardinology, has been heavily promoted and has received a noticeable amount of critical approval. Is it worth the hype? Is it, as some have claimed, Adams’s best project to date?

The album’s opener, “Born Into a Light,” is a traditional Adam’s opener- A slow folk tune, heavy on the acoustic tone and simple harmony. It vaguely resembles “Goodnight Rose,” but is more than original enough to be considered its own song. “Go Easy,” is a slightly more upbeat song with a melodic tune and an appropriate arrangement. It’s still got the country slide and the traditional Adams feel, but it’s got a little bit of soft rock to it.

The next song is the album’s first single- “Fix It,” a half-thinker and half-U2 rocker. The song begins with a solid mix of thick guitar tones and a carefully composed melody sung by an emotional Adams. The song quickly builds up to an ambient Bono-esque chorus, filled with timely phrases, mainly consisting of- “I’d fix it, I’d fix it, if I could..” The lyrics are something darker than the typical Adams-  acutely sarcastic but very intriguing.

“Magick” is a full-out rock anthem, something somewhat unfamiliar to recent Adams records. The lyrics are big, but maybe a little too big. (”Let your body move / Let your body sway / It’s Magick, it’s magick.”) After a few listens, it definitely grows on you though.

Then comes “Cobwebs.” Let’s just say that there hasn’t been an Adams song like this, maybe ever. This time the U2 similarities are extremely obvious, but it’s not a cheapened imitation by any means. It’s got bold, ambient soundscapes and is based around a steady, sensible rhythm. Original lyrics, and a balanced, memorable melody to boot.

“Let Us Down Easy” and “Crossed Out Name” are both great tracks in the same territory as typical Adams material. The first of the two is the signature country side, and the second is more of the “alternative” style that Adams is also well-known for. Both are catchy, while also being both careful and controlled.

“Natural Ghost” is a sad, regretful piece with a palpably melancholy tone. It’s minor-y and it’s carried by a strangely arranged chorus, full of stray notes that tease the peripherals and awaken a sense of uncertainty. “Sink Ships” returns to an airy acoustic-based feel, with simple but clever chord structures and intelligent, fast-paced melody twists. More traditional Cardinals sound throughout.

The next two songs, “Evergreen” and “Like Yesterday” help the album begin its close with their relaxed rhythms and deep lyrics. “Evergreen” is heavily acoustic, while “Like Yesterday” incorporates soft, bluesy electric tendencies. They are both solemn, but not depressing.

The finale track, “Stop,” is one of the best songs on the album, and possibly one of the best Adams compositions yet. It’s piano-led and beautifully quiet. Honest and hopeful, but most of all, haunting. It’s complemented by distant strings and whispering percussion. Just incredible all over..

After listening to the album multiple times, I can easily say that it’s the best Adams record to date. It’s adventurous, and definitely more melodic than many of his past records. It’s also complex, revealing new parts with each listen. Although there seems to be some noticeable overlap with Cardinology and recent Adams records, I don’t think it’s enough to be considered lazy. Adams has a sound, and sometimes developing the sound includes slight resemblance to past works.

Beyond all this, Cardinology is brave and successful in its flow and creativity. A must have for Ryan Adams fans and something worthwhile for curious listeners.

You can purchase Cardinology as a CD or LP Record from Amazon.

/ Posted: Nov 04, 2008
/ Written by: Matt S.
/ Category: Album Reviews
/ Artist(s): Ryan Adams, Ryan Adams and The Cardinals