Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams sings like a cross between Bono and the Jayhawks' Gary Louris. It's a hybrid that can be heard in his music as well. Cardinology is well-crafted adult alternative rock grounded in Americana. The guitars are particularly sweet, especially on "Magick," a topical song about how modern life is screwed up and time is running out (at least that's what it appears to address). Although Adams is considered a prickly fellow, this album will cement his rep among the Starbucks faithful.