From the first notes of Ryan Adam’s new album, you will hear more than you have ever heard before in the career of this gifted author. What I am talking about is the true American sound full of grit. Everyone who knows how Springsteen sounds at the peak of his strength, supported by solid, simple and memorable guitar riffs (yes, those that are like a soundtrack for roadtripping America) is going to appreciate this record very much. Prisoner is an album expressing a lot of nostalgia, even more than any previous releases in Adam’s discography.
Quoting The Boss in the manner of singing (although Ryan’s voice is more similar to Young’s), especially in the nonchalant spoken word parts on the easy tempo songs such s Haunted House and Shiver and Shake, someone would say that the singer want to collect some extra points in a very cheesy, copycat way. On the contrary, every verse and every chorus on the album radiates sincerity, which is the main reason why Prisoner is a gorgeous rock’n’roll masterpiece.
When it comes to melody, the absolute best song is Do You Still Love Me, which also served as a first promotional single. This full blooded rock anthem is clearly under the influence of the 80s. Everything is familiar here – from the dreamy introduction, to the predictable but catchy rhythm pulse and dramatic vocal resembling Footloose of Kenny Loggings. Despite predictability, the song functions perfectly and the banal verse Do you still love me baby will be stuck in your head due to its mellifluous melody.
Another single, To Be Without You is a classic Adams folk ballade accentuating intricate nuances with genius verse For everything you lose, some wisdom will find its way out. We didn’t have a chance to hear these polished and inspiring lamentations of Ryan Adams ever since Easy Tiger that came out in 2007. In would say these two albums represent the zenith of the singer’s work. Profuse rock melodies combined with romantic arrangements give his music a kind soul (just listen to Outbound Train). Needless to say, I highly recommend Prisoner.
