Ryan Adams "Ashes and Fire"

It's been said that this new record is definitely tamer than previous releases, including "III/IV" with The Cardinals which had a selection of many great songs, and that fact cannot be ignored.This record starts with a song that is pouring 'Dirty Rain' and notes of laidback piano (bar style..wtf does that mean?) and acoustic guitar. There is something about the title track that is a lot more inviting,  maybe it's the piano which is a little bit more upbeat, and slightly bluesy, as well as being in the forefront., or the folksy intro; everything works together for a perfect example of synergy.I was waiting for an idea on how to describe this one. First thing, Jim James comes to mind in the vocal sense, and the sound is as it should be with a song dealing with the longing of a lost one to 'Come Home.' The violin is there with the right sense of twang.The next song 'Rocks' even though it is pretty tame with a string-laden backbone. We follow with a song about a topic that many of us can relate to because we have been in that situation at some point, a situation which has us asking 'Do I Wait' for that person to recognize me as more than a friend, or realize that they made a mistake when they left? These 'Chains of Love' are short and sweet, which can either be a good or bad thing depending on the type of person one is. What The flip? Long term or those people who like a one night stand, but reading the lyrics it seems like it is about one of those relationships where you stay in because you feel the need to, maybe you're afraid to leave or you just cannot escape the 'Invisible Riverside.' The latter is a perfect song to listen to as you float away on this tame current of strummed notes. Maybe someone can 'Save Me' with their 'Kindness' which doesn't ask for more than an open mind, which doesn't seem like a lot, but to some it's too much.The former is a song crying in desperation blues in an alt-country style, lovely acoustic guitar led harmonies, while the latter sounds like a more positive twin. I feel real 'Lucky Now' after listening to this track, which would have ended the record perfectly. The next song is just.like..well. 'I Love You But I Don't Know What To Say' except at times I cannot help but think of Jim James during several songs on this record, and that the song does end the record pretty strong, but not as good as if the former track would have ended it. If I had to choose my favorites they would be as follows : Ashes and Fire, Rocks, Chains of Love, Save Me, and Lucky Now.