I, for one, was impressed, with an artist who told stuck and growth-less fans to "go to hell." Surely, the idea of artistic development is one that needs to be defended, but that's not why I liked it. If you can't appreciate this album, realize the difference between change and evolution, lose yourself in the beauty of hybrid mix of a no-frills simplicity and arranged mastery, then you're an idiot. This album is fantastic, one of those destined to stay in the player long after you've heard it through a hundred times.

I'm not saying this album is flawless. But if the biggest critique of an album is that the artist could have ripped a few more solos, you better count your blessings. The attitude — a lack of any sort of ego — that accounts for smaller percentage of blues rockers is what powers some of the greatest tracks on the CD. The idea that band is more important than the leader is what makes "So Hard to Find My Way" such an energetic masterpiece. These songs don't diminish the power of acoustic tracks, instead, they increase them by way of contrast. The sorrow in a song like "Never Satisfied" grows as it sits in a valley sandwiched between two peaks like "Walking Away" and "Cold Black Devil."

It's a wonderful collective effort, where the sum is clearly greater than the parts. This new direction is promising and inspiring, with the artist fully utilizing his own talents as well as those of his peers. I can testify that they translate well into the live show, a fact that becomes increasingly relevant for this touring fiend. I'm not sure if the single is going to chart or if it was the best pick. What I do know, however, is that this album deserves a listen and this artist, respect.