Josh Rouse - Subtitulo

Nashville purveyor of fine, accessible country, Josh Rouse's 6th long-player 'Subtitulo' is the first on his own imprint label and comes on the back of 2005's critically acclaimed and not-so-cryptically titled 'Nashville'. Much of what made its predecessor so successful is evident here, with soft vocals telling stories of love, and life in the country, this time in Rouse's new home, Spain. Standout selections Quiet Town (first single) and Givin it Up revel in the generous helping of melody that Rouse dishes out, with strings and an understandable Mediterranean lilt adding to proceedings. Unfortunately, the album suffers with the omission of some of the killer harmonies which made much of 'Nashville' so beautiful. However, you can't fail to be impressed by the laid-back feel of the album - Jack Johnson looks in need of Prozac by comparison. Overall, the album appears to reflect Rouse's apparent contented lifestyle, with little to push the senses and move outside the limits of safety. Tracks such as Wonderful and Jersey Clowns are nice enough and breeze by without causing offence but you'd struggle to recall them once they're done. The album evokes an evening sipping sangria on the veranda whilst not really worrying about much, and as such is nice. The perfect soundtrack for the slightly-informed dinner party host. [Jon Seller]