Ryan Adams 29

Ryan Adams final release of the 2005 trilogy is a fine album. While not as sharp as the masterful Cold Roses this is a very poignant set.

Adams' 29 is a 9-track effort, with each track representing a year of Adams' life between 20-29. As such, it's a very personal album, and gives Adams to focus on what he does best: storytelling. On this release, he is without the support of the Cardinals, instead choosing to go with predominantly solo effort. The song starts off with the sly rocker of "29," a song that sounds a bit Chris Isaak-ish in nature, but works very well. Don't expect the rest of the eight tracks to be anything like this though, this isn't Rock 'N Roll rehashed, and this is probably the first album that is completely unlike anything else Ryan Adams has done, at least within the last six years. This is clearly evidenced by such epic pieces as the eight-minute "Strawberry Wine," and the beautifully haunting "Blue Sky Blues." While a very dark and somber release, Adams' 29 is perhaps the most generally cohesive album he's ever released. It's almost impossible to be appreciated unless listened to all the way through from beginning to end. What's best about this album is that given the personal nature of it, you feel a sense of connection with Adams' every word, and with every note played, and you're taken to the places that he's been. That is a feat that only the best singer/songwriters can accomplish; kudos to Ryan Adams for doing just that.

Rating: 90