Who is Ryan Adams, anyways? Well, throughout his career, he's been lots of things. He's been dark and heavy, and he's been light and twangy. Ryan Adams is the perfect example of a well-seasoned rock-star. In only eleven years, he's come out with 13 albums, some with a band called The Cardinals, which broke up in 2009. His history of fame, substance abuse, and Ménière's disease, a painful inner ear disease, has marked Ryan Adams' career as a long and colorful one. He went through a two year hiatus from music altogether, and some people thought he would never return to the stage. Ménière's disease made it hard for him to keep his balance or stay in tune, and many people thought his days were over. However, Adams claims to now be drug free and completely healthy. When considering his new lifestyle and recent marriage to Mandy Moore, it's no surprise that his new album, Ashes & Fire is quite a bit "happier", and returns to the classic Ryan Adams twang we all remember in albums like Easy Tiger, but with a mellower, more easy-going sound.
Ashes & Fire is perhaps the most soulful and low-key album ever from a new happy and clean Ryan Adams. The album starts out with a low southern tone with "Dirty Rain". Benmont Tench, on loan from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers features in several tracks, including "Dirty Rain." I'm hoping he works with Adams on future projects, because I nearly passed out listening to this one. The title track, "Ashes & Fire" is what I would consider a "road trip song", but I would consider most of the songs on this album as such. Old timey piano and a three-quarter beat make this song a great western feel-good. His wife, Mandy Moore, makes several appearances on the album, adding fresh, high harmonies to his songs. Also, one of my favorite artists, Norah Jones, is featured on three songs. "Come Home", "Save Me", and "Kindness." This is yet another dream come true for both Ryan Adams and Norah Jones fans... and mostly me.
This album definitely takes a turn from Adams' previous works. Lyrics like "Do you believe in love?" and "I will shelter you with my love, and my forgiveness" show that perhaps ol' Ryan really has taken a turn for the better. It's definitely an easier listen, but it still retains the classic carefree Adams guitar, and deep meaningful lyrics everyone loves. For those who miss the more edgy, angry Ryan Adams, don't worry. We have faith he'll be back, and even more intriguing. Besides, he's allowed to have a honeymoon record, right? I applaud this album because it expresses Ryan's life. In my opinion, that is what music should be. A reflection of what's going on inside.
Ashes & Fire gets 8 out of 10.
Ashes & Fire hits the shelves on October 11th. If you don't have Spotify, then your life hasn't become quite awesome enough yet. I suggest you get it. It's about $10 a month, unless you get invited. In that case, there is a free version that's... well, free. If you don't feel like being awesome in that way, you can be awesome by actually buying the album, along with others by Ryan Adams, on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ryan-adams/id1010602.
Happy listening!
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