Ryan Adams – Prisoner (Blue Note)

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After his divorce from Mandy Moore, Ryan Adams has heartbreak on his mind. That frame of mind resulted in his excellent debut solo album back in 2000. Now, those sad circumstances seem to result in another fine collection of songs.

I don’t really buy into the myth that you need personal hardship in order to create great art…after all Paul McCartney seemed pretty happy during most of the 1960s and he did some decent work then…but the fact is, Prisoner, full of songs about sadness and heartbreak, is Ryan Adams’ best record in a long while.

Just a scan of the song titles lets you know what you’re in for…Doomsday, To Be Without You, Broken Anyway, We Disappear…it’s pretty obvious we are in for some serious soul searching.

Musically, the album has the warm glow of a classic 1970s soft rock record, although the opening track, Do You Love Me, might lead you astray. Beginning with a solemn church organ, the track opens with 80s-style power chords, a full band rocking behind Adams who, dare I say it, reminds me of Bryan Adams here.

But it’s no joke, and no disrespect to either artist. There is a stirring guitar solo, but the lyrics are all about heartbreak and hurt.

The remainder of the 11 songs fit more into that 70s singer-songwriter bag. Usually the track begins with just a guitar and Adams’ vocal, then bass, drums and keyboards sneak in to add colour and shade as the songs progresses.

The stark nature of the production along with the mood set up by Adams’ lyrics…this is a man set adrift emotionally, wondering what went wrong and where to go next…reminds me of Bruce Springsteen’s Tunnel Of Love. Just listen to Outbound Train or Tightrope…they seem like first cousins of Brilliant Disguise or When You’re Alone, especially when that lonesome sax comes in during Tightrope.

The record is shot through with emotionally charged lyrics…”You said you’d love me now until doomsday comes. Did doomsday come?” and “I see you with some guy, laughing like you never even knew I was alive”.

It’s clear that Ryan Adams is leaving himself wide open here. And those lyrics, combined with some of his best melodies in years (and some beautiful guitar playing), combine to create a an album of songs that will stay with the listener long after the last shimmering  guitar line in We Disappear fades out.

Marty Duda

 

 

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