The High Notes
Adam Wright, "I Win" (Independent)
Nashville songwriter Adam Wright may have sensed we could all use a laugh, and so he has released a witty antidote to 2020.
Wright, whose compositions have been performed by such stars as Garth Brooks, Lee Ann Womack and Alan Jackson (his uncle), wisely kept these 12 tunes for himself. The whimsical tone is in the tradition of Roger Miller and Ray Stevens, whose sly humor made songs funny even on repeated listening.
"I Win" is a quarantine accomplishment — one-man-band Wright performed, recorded, mixed and produced the set. He plays acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keyboards and percussion, overdubs vocals and achieves a charming, demo-style informality that suits the material.
There's nothing casual about Wright's songwriting, however. Craft and care are reflected in the way he packs clever rhymes and wordplay into concise tunes. The set is half an hour long, and one song — the delightful "I'd Be Good" — runs a minute.
Wright's last album, 2018's "Dust," was filled with compelling dark dramas, and not everything here goes for a grin. The love song "Sure Wanna Stay" and the topical "Wonder If the World Can Wait That Long" showcase his yearning tenor.
But Wright sings with tongue in cheek — a nifty trick — about logic, losing at love, cash flow woes and, on "Rhymes With Bucket," a philosophy for life. He offers a tonic for a pandemic on "Cheer Up," singing, "Probably going to be here awhile — smile." This album can help us do just that.
— Steven Wine
Katie Melua, “Album No. 8” (BMG)
Katie Melua sings as though she’s sharing a secret, which is what makes her music so inviting.
Born in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, Melua lives in the United Kingdom and is more popular there than in the United States. Perhaps that’s because she rarely raises her voice, but on “Album No. 8,” she really doesn’t need to.
Her affecting, arresting alto stamps the set’s 10 original songs with an ethereal beauty that’s immediately ear-catching. When Melua begins by singing “I’m taken in,” she’s describing her audience.
The Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra provides support, with lovely arrangements by producer Leo Abrahams. As strings swirl and bloom, Melua is also accompanied by guitar, piano, organ, saxophone, bass and drums in various combinations that never spoil the intimate mood.
There’s a dreamy longing to Melua’s tunes about faded love, reality and illusion, the tug of roots and edelweiss. The compelling drama “English Manner” swings like background music at a cocktail party, and “Voices in the Night” flirts with a dance beat, but the tempos are never fast. The way Melua sings, there’s no reason to rush.
— Steven Wine
NCT, “NCT – The 2nd Album RESONANCE Pt. 1” (SM Entertainment/Capitol/Caroline)
Mega K-pop group NCT are not playing around.
Two years after releasing their debut album, the group featuring 21 members of NCT 127, NCT DREAM and WayV – as well as newcomers SHOTARO and SUNGCHAN – are launching into a sophomore effort with a third project expected later this year.
“NCT – The 2nd Album RESONANCE Pt. 1” skillfully combines a ‘90s R&B vibe with a more modern, electronic sound, leaning into the romantic boy band-ness of it all, with piano ballads showcasing the various members’ beautiful voices.
Lead single “Make A Wish (Birthday Song)” reels in the unsuspecting fans with its catchy whistle beat, but the rest of the album pulls the rug and revels in its retro-ness with a slew of only slightly modernized raps and R&B bangers; “Volcano,” “Lightbulb” “From Home” and “Faded In My Last Song” lead in this category.
“Misfit” is a classic, energetic rock tune that echoes its title in sound; “Déjà Vu” has a futuristic dance beat; and “Nectar” introduces a compelling if strange, wounded-animal trombone-like sound.
Overall, the hook of “Make A Wish (Birthday Song)” sums up my feelings about the album: “I can do this all day.” But so does the song’s naughtier English version: “I can do this all night.” — Cristina Jaleru