James Taylor wannabe. But has some good moments.

Robby Hecht is Nashville based singer/songwriter, and his self titled album was his first release. He explained the record as an attempt to return back to the golden acoustic era sound, with simple melodies and accessible subjects. His gentle but strong voice and elegantly simple melodies make the album an easy listen. And just when you pass it off as another slightly above mediocre singer/songwriter acoustic album, he pulls out “The Sea and the Shore.‰” He takes an overused and simplistic metaphor for unconditional love and turns it into something thoughtful, poetic, intriguing, and endearing. He follows up with a bluesy “The Light is Gone‰” which has hints of Gregory Alan Isakov‰’s genius and appeal, while not overcomplicating the pain of a lover leaving. The first time I listened to this album, I was incredibly underwhelmed. But I found myself returning to those two tracks as a kind of beacon that if Hecht continues along those tracks, we have more solid material to look forward to in the future.

Recommended: 5, 6
RIYL: Josh Ritter, David Gray, Amos Lee, James Taylor, Ryan Adams