Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Cardinology (Lost Highway) Ryan Adams has always worn his heart on his sleeve, as evidenced on his classic albums such as 'Heartbreaker' and 'Love Is Hell', even though at times his sensitive artist status has seemed at odds with his desire to be a rock 'n' roll star with all the attendant excesses. However, for his last album 'Easy Tiger' Adams was newly sober and 'Cardinology' continues the sobriety. As with his other albums recorded with the Cardinals, this is a rootsy country affair; the twang of pedal steel guitar on opening track 'Born Into A Light' sets the tone for the proceeding tracks. That said, there are also traces of the alternative rock influence more obvious on some of his solo albums, particularly on the gutsy 'Magick'. This is a simply crafted collection of intimate and poignant songs; especially effective are the reflective, romantic 'Go Easy' and the heartfelt 'Fix It'. There are occasional daft touches, as on 'Cobwebs' where he asks, "Will you confuse my love for the cobwebs?" but even here he is utterly convincing. Adams is sometimes criticised, even by his fans, for being overly prolific, but as long as he maintains the high quality evident here I'm happy. Indeed it's difficult to think of anyone else who chronicles the inner workings of the human heart so articulately or beautifully. Jane W. Review originally published by CMU Music Network www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk Next