Drivin N Cryin has managed to maintain a proficient career over the course of more than three decades and nine studio albums (plus a litany of EPs) accumulated under their collective auspices. Despite a steady shift in personnel—only singer, songwriter, guitarist and chief protagonist Kevn Kinney and Tim Nielsen remain from band’s original incarnation— their stoic Southern-rock sound has remained recognizable while they have navigated through everevolving musical terrain. (Credit producer Aaron Lee Tasjan with providing them the means for reaching a new plateau—a series of songs that meld their more melodic
sensibilities with a soaring sense of triumph and gratification.) The rich arrangements affirm that decidedly indelible impression, with offerings such as the edgy, assertive “I Used to Live Around Here,” the effortlessly anthemic “Someday” and the suggestive psychedelia of “If I’m Not There I’ll Be Here” making the most immediate impressions. That said, Tasjan seems to have encouraged certain outside influences to permeate the proceedings as well; the spoken-word narrative and sweeping choruses on opening track “Free Ain’t Free” recall Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin” both vividly and descriptively, while the scorching guitar, riveting riffs and decided stomp of “Spies” sound like vintage ‘70s Stones. Likewise, “Ian McLagan” offers a glowing epitaph to the late, great Face. Indeed, optimism reigns supreme throughout, from the album title itself and the aforementioned “Someday,” to the cheery, chiming “Over and Over” and the rousing refrains of the perpetually perky “What’s Wrong With Being Happy.” And why not? Life can be loved beautifully when graced with an album that’s so easily enjoyed.