Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade(New West Records)

With a catalogue spanning 20 years Steve Earle could be forgiven for producing a few duds.

This album however isn't one of them: three years on from his politically charged and questionable release The Revolution Starts Here Washington Square Serenade sees Earle return to form.

Throughout all the songs included here his vocals exhibit a resounding freshness and feel of enthusiasm.

Country dobro lines with sprinkles of blues paint a vivid theme for a journeyman with plenty of stories to tell, and the connection between Earle and Bruce Springsteen's more lyrical material has never been more apparent.

There are two tracks that stand out as highlights: the lazy Sparkle and Shine and the catchy City of Immigrants, which you swear you've heard before.

Although no real new ground is being covered with this album, it seems far more consistent collection of songs in the style you would expect.

Earle's wife Allison Moorer joins him on the melodic and smooth track Days Aren't Long Enough. The closer, Tom Waits' '80s classic Way Down In The Hole is covered with grace and groove.

Rating: 4/5

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