JIM CUDDY - THE LIGHT THAT GUIDES YOU HOME - NEW CD

"Jim Cuddy's second solo disc, The Light That Guides You Home is not by any stretch a radical departure from his Blue Rodeo roots, featuring lots of acoustic and electric twang, as well as a healthy balance between melancholy and joy. If a distinction had to be made, Cuddy's solo projects (his first was 1998's All in Time) tend to be a little less straight-ahead new country and perhaps occasionally a little more lyrically cheeky. The standout on this disc follows that very theme: "Married Again"--a duet with Kathleen Edwards--is based on a true story of a freshly-divorced couple who drunkenly re-ignite their spark in Vegas. Longtime fans will be happy to note that there are a handful of straight-ahead Rodeo-esque rockers--including the title track, "All I Need" and the honky-tonk-infused "Falling"--although the most interesting cuts are the ones least-indicative of the Toronto singer. "She Gets Down" and "Married" show a Bob Dylan influence, while "Pull Me Through"--the CD's first single--hearkens more of a crooner connection. His voice--without any country lilt--brings forth a more mature, adult contemporary tone. The result is a near-Broadway singing style that will surprise many who hear it." -- Denise Sheppard

Track Listing