Search - Tom Mcrae :: King of Cards

The Best Album of 2007 So Far

Rocky | Iowa, USA | 06/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know how many other albums this year will impress me as much as Tom McRae's newest effort King of Cards has. I did worry a bit where Tom was going musically when I finally got his third album All Maps Welcome and realized it wasn't as strong as his first two amazing albums were. I mean Maps wasn't terrible at all and had a few exciting songs on there- but it did drag at certain times with some pretty so- so songs as well.



King of Cards though makes up for it. Tom has come back with an album full of addictive hooks and impressively written lyrics all sung in his haunting, alluring voice. His fourth album makes you see that even though his sound continues to change (for some of his songs such as Bright Lights seem a little more radio- friendly than his older material) he still is the same authentic musician he was from the beginning and for that I am relieved.



Here's a brief summary of the tracks:



1- Ballad of Amelia Earhart: (A+) Beautiful start- Tom's vocals are heavenly as he plays this one very slow with a lovely chorus.

2- Bright Lights: (A+) Fast- paced, and one of the most exciting tracks here. Tom does an excellent job with the beat especially.

3- Deliver Me: (A+) Tom calms down again with another beautiful softie. Everything about this song reminds me of his debut album and that is why it is amazing.

4- Got a Suitcase Got Regrets: (A+) Some of my favorite lyrics by him are in this song. This song picks up a little compared to Deliver but nonetheless it is another more quiet, reflective song by Tom. The ending is especially just gorgeous.

5- Houdini and the Girl: (A) This song at first I wasn't too into. Due to my love for the lyrics though I continued to give it a chance till it really did grow on me. It is still not the strongest song on the album but a very likeable softie.

6- Keep Your Picture Clear: (A+) Hands down the best song on here. I think it's because Tom has never done a song quite like this before. It stands out with some rather powerful lyrics you will just love singing along to. The ending is explosive.

7- Lord, How Long: (A+) Just a gorgeous, gorgeous song. The chorus is stunning. Definitely my favorite after Picture.

8- On and On: (B) This is one song that I do like but have yet to love. The hook can get stuck in your head (Tom singing -on and on and on- repeatedly in a song can do that to you) but definitely isn't the most impressive song on here.

9- One Mississippi: (A) Tom picks back up with a fast song again that saves the ending of the album being dragged down from On and On. This song will have anyone singing along in no time.

10- Set the Story Straight: (B+) A lot of fans really enjoy this song but honestly I think it's just all right. It's pretty slow, and not much saves it from being a bit of a sleeper track. Tom's beautiful voice as always can keep a song enjoyable though- but I don't listen to this song as much as the others.

11- Sound of the City: (A+) What a great way to end the album with this fast but beautifully sung song. Love, love it!



Overall Tom has really done a great job with King of Cards; he will attract new fans and keep the older fans content altogether. A true success of an album- pat yourself on the back there Tom.



5/5"