Fusing the sounds of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Otis Redding with ease, Ray LaMontagne clearly got more than his fair share of the talent genes when the gods were handing them out.
Trouble, the singer-songwriter's debut album, is an instant classic, destined to stand the test of time.
The winning combination is simple but deadly - beautifully crafted songs which pay homage to the greats of country, folk and blues, but never imitate them, married with LaMontagne's glorious soul voice and intelligent lyrics. There's not a single low point.
Title track Trouble is simply glorious, Forever My Friend will warm your soul and How Come is a bluesy political lament dripping with cool electric guitar riffs. LaMontagne is one of the finds of 2004.
Updated: 09:05 Thursday, October 28, 2004
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