Chris Isaak is an enigma in today's metal, pop and hip-hop dominated music scene. Drawing heavily upon the styles of such rock pioneers as Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, Isaak has created his own alluring brand of modernized vintage rock and roll.
On "Always Got Tonight," his first studio release in four years, Isaak shows that after 17 years of honing his craft he has an undeniable mastery over his musical direction and songcraft.
The album boasts some of Isaak's best work to date and as a whole the record easily ranks among his crowning achievements.
The opening track, "One Day," is an ideal introduction. The rollicking, inviting rocker features a full, encapsulating sound that immediately captivates the listener. The song does a great job of setting the tone for the remainder of the album.
The next tune, "Let Me Down Easy," is another stellar song. Here the audience gets its first real taste of Isaak's famed Orbison-esque crooning skills. The sparse music effectively serves as a subtle background to best display Isaak's admirable singing.
The album also successfully builds in emotion to the crest of the third track, "Worked It Out Wrong." This song is slow, mournful and poignant in its painfully emotional tone. Strings are well utilized here to supply additional depth into the song's overwhelming anguish.
After such an excellent start, the record can't quite fully maintain its momentum. Nonetheless, the fourth tune, "Courthouse," is an appealing mid-tempo rocker that again displays Isaak's propensity for emotional vocalizing.
"Life Will Go On" is an elegant, flowing song led by some languid guitar work. Again, Isaak varies his sound to create another appealing, enjoyable tune; he effortlessly fuses the capable backing music with his lovelorn lyrics.
The title track is easily the most intriguing song on the record, a departure from Isaak's typical laid-back style. The song features a stomping, powerful guitar riff. The hardest-rocking track, it is equally fun and confusing to listen to, as Isaak stretches himself beyond his usual comfort zone to derail the tone of the album while also providing a nice variation on his previous sound.
"Cool Love" follows as another typical unforced, smooth, mid-tempo work, a sound with which Isaak is clearly most comfortable.
Isaak then spins an amusing tale about a man's dilemma upon seeing what may or may not be a wedding ring on the finger of a prospective date in "Notice The Ring."
Track 10, "American Boy," is the album's highlight. The song is a catchy, animated, tight rocker that is a very solid rock and roll tune.
The closing two tracks again bring the excellent vocals of Isaak to the forefront. "Somebody to Love" sounds like a classic romantic serenade and continues the prevailing theme of romance found throughout the record.
"Nothing to Say" winds the record down perfectly. An emotionally charged ballad, the song thoroughly engrosses the listener.
When Isaak pleads, "So if in your heart/You could find a way/Just to take me back/Let me try again," the sentiment comes across efficiently behind his convincing vocal delivery.
Isaak either wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks, and his songwriting capabilities are apparent. Also notable is the wide variety of songs found on the album, making for an intriguing and fresh listen.
While not a groundbreaking record, "Always Got Tonight" showcases Isaak's talent and musical ability and is a set of well-crafted, enjoyable tunes. The record stands as one the better pure rock-and-roll albums of the last several years.
