Love Is Hell, Part 1by Ryan Adams

I have been a committed fan of Ryan's since his Whiskeytown days. Ryan has made some amazing music over the years, both as a member of a band and as a solo artist. Adams is a very prolific songwriter and it seems like he is on to a new project just as soon as he finishes one. The quality of his solo work as opposed to his band output are debatable, but Love Is Hell, to me, represents the best stuff he has ever done as a solo artist. To really appreciate it, you have to listen to both parts as a whole, but for the moment let's focus on part one. The eight songs her are flawless, for starters. Not a dud here to be found. Every song is engaging and may remind the listener of Whiskeytown here and there, especially on the track "This House Is Not For Sale". But it's the slower, more somber, Smiths inspired tracks like "Shadowlands, "Avalanche", and World War 24" that really grasp at one's heart and fails to let go. The emotional impact of those songs resonate throughout the entire album and balance the more upbeat rock songs found here. I can't say enough about this album. It is a must- listen. If you have any love for Ryan Adams, then this has to be part of your music collection.