Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Cardinology

Review By Matt Conner

Ryan Adams seems resigned to no longer fight his inner demons and external critics. After the prolific output of recent years that displayed Adams’ fighting side — the one determined to prove he was equal parts country, rock and Americana —Cardinology almost seems boring with its armchair musicianship and folk-rock tendencies.

But it’s here that Adams is at his best. In this relaxed state, songs like “Born into a Light,” “Crossed Out Name” and “Evergreen” flow from the acoustic troubadour’s lips like fine wine. “Cobwebs” holds an eventual swell that maintains the album’s feel while taking the listener to emotional heights. “Go Easy” might be the best song Tom Petty never wrote. Cardinology demonstrates a chemistry and ease between Adams and his bandmates that’s pure folk-flavored poetry. And this stands among Adams’ best work yet.