Well, you're reading this now, because that has all changed with The Reckoning. This album had me with the first song, "Drive All Night," and didn't let go until 55 minutes later with the closing track, "Learn To Love."

 

I believe I know what the problem is. I tend to gravitate to more produced and polished fare. We all have our vices and mine is a song dripping with production. So artists that,  at times, are more rough around the edges tend to escape my radar, for better or worse (many would argue worse, but it is what it is). But because of that, I'm appreciating my love for this album even more. It seems to be one of the few that has bridged my taste of a good hook with something of even more substance. I found myself absolutely  engrossed by this album, and the more I unearthed, the more I discovered. 

 

The passion in these songs is something very much akin to what has been driving me to Switchfoot as of late. This sounds like nothing guys could do sitting in the studio surrounded by empty space, wires, sound engineers and lava lamps. "Drive All Night, " "Oohs And Ahhs," "Slumber," "Devil's Been Talkin" and the title track should all be required listens for any upcoming artist on how to place emotion and heart into a vocal. I'm talking goose bumps, shivers and at moments, even tears. I'll be listening to this one for a long time to come.