Rock N Roll

When Ryan Adams' dropped 2003's 'Kcor N Llor' (obviously the words 'Rock N Roll' backwards), it just seemed he felt a bit pressured as to how this follow-up would stand to 2001's 'Gold'. So did Ryan's official follow-up to the alt-country/singer-songwriter-styled 'Gold' achieve such a title to be called rock 'n roll? Well, it depends on what one defines as rock 'n roll.

Upon intial listening of the opening lines of his opener, "This Is It", it seems that Ryan's rock influences obviously assisted in defining his sound here. However, this is not a bad thing; his rock influences spilled out all over this album, including The Replacements and what seems to be ALOT of hours listening to T.Rex albums. He further embelished the former on "Burning Photographs," & "Does Anybody Wanna Take Me Home," "Luminol," and the title track as well. In fact, he evoked classic Westerberg so much here, I'd swear they feel like lost songs from the 'Let It Be'/'Tim' sessions. But, on "Shallow" and "She's Lost Total Control," Adams' guitar sounds like something one would expect to hear on T.Rex's 'Electric Warrior.'

This may/not be the record Ryan Adams that was expected at the time; heck, it's not his best album in that regard, either. I mean it's obvious the record lacks in songwriting compared to his previous work- something of his strength, esp. for those fond of 'Gold'. However, this record was strengthened by his ability to just go against the grain with what was expected of him. Instead of another album of alt-rock sad stories and acoustic strumming, Adams rocks out the only way he knows how to; further, if one hears the sheer exhilaration of his voice on "So Alive" well enough, this seems to be just the thing Adams needed then...and that is just fine with me.

Honestly, this isn't his best work. He should stick with the alternative country, and softer rock.

Not as bad as people think it was. Fun to hear Ryan let loose.

My favorite of Ryan Adam's music. It's a killer. Like a blast of cold wind in your face.

As a much bigger fan of earlier than of newer, more country-influenced Ryan Adams, this is my fave of his. Check out "Luminol."

wonderful

A few standout tracks but overall I prefer ryan's country/folk side.

Adams steps away from alt country long enough to demonstrate that he can rock with the best. He needs to revisit this sound again. Soon.

Summertime rawk album, fun to listen to when you're in the mood for good times. Ryan financed the album on his own to appease the Lost Highway execs who were holding Love is Hell hostage.

Rock N Roll, Copy N Paste