I have really struggled with figuring out how to describe Tom McCain's debut album. Because, I really like it and I don't want to sound critical, but the best word I could come up with was, well, simple.
Quick! before you quit reading, that's a real compliment. When most music these days is packing layers on top of layers on top of... well, some gets a little thick. Tom has taken us back to some of the basics with great songwriting (he wrote or co-wrote on all), excellent lead and background vocals, and enough instrumentation to set the project in motion. The players are familiar names, too: Tom Hemby (guitars), Mark Hammond (drums), Gary Lunn (bass), and Brian Green (keyboards).
It's not an album that jumps out and grabs you right away (except for "Mary Don't You Cry" and "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To"). It is on the subtle side, yet the songs are provoking when you listen more intently. I found it easy to put in the background and listen for five or six runs through. But, unfortunately, the album is a little short with only nine songs, but I think it makes up for it in content.
It's sort of Steven Curtis Chapman-Susan Ashton-ish songwriting and country-influenced contemporary sound. It's very enjoyable. Tom's got potential for even more in the future.
