A Running Commentary

Dan Wilson – Free Life (American)
Producer: Dan Wilson (Rick Rubin exec)
Rating: 4 of 5
Top Tracks: Breathless, Against History, Cry

Former Semisonic frontman’s latest solo effort, his first since Dixie Chick co-write accolades, predictably benefits from Rick Rubin’s executive production. Rubin’s formula appears simple enough: push great artists to fully utilize their strengths while forcefully shunning the role of “yes-man” that disserves so many successful artists. Already proven with Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Neil Diamond and so many others, the formula comes through in spades here.

Wilson’s songcraft is as focused as it has been since Feeling Strangely Fine and his unfortunate penchant toward the occasional trite lyric is kept to minimum. The record leans toward the mellow side, perhaps the only unfortunate trait typified in Rubin’s work with singer-songwriters, but pop standouts “Against History” and “Breathless” help to leaven the loaf.

Rating Key:
5 – For fans of music
4 – For fans of the genre
3 – For fans of the band
2 – For fans of disappointment