Nashville-based independent artist Ron Pope releases his new album, Work. It follows 2015's Ron Pope & The Nighthawks, and delivers another 10 (36 min, 55 sec) fresh and upbeat sounding songs.

Work marks Pope’s seventh studio album and it's obvious, even to the uninitiated, that Pope is as comfortable in the studio as he is out on tour. There's a laid back, fluid vibe to this release that makes it feel like Pope is undertaking a private concert just for you. It's raw, yet polished - giving the impression that these are well worn tracks that he's revisiting for the first time in years.

On a number of songs I was reminded of The Black Crowes's Chris Robinson (most notably 'Lets Get Stoned' and 'Dancing Days'). Pope's vocal range is as impressive as ever and he can belt out the Rock based tracks just as easily as he can the more reserved, mellow recordings.

9

Nick Smithson