I always have trouble finding fault with a Josh Rouse record. If anything, from time to time, Rouse can be too normal of a songwriter, afraid of pushing the envelope when a song has a good enough groove to cruise along and satisfy—but not enthrall—the listener. It’s possible that this happens enough in any Rouse record that it’s irritating or confusing, but really, there’s usually so many damn good songs, that, in the end, you find yourself thinking, “what an album.”
Subtitulo, Rouse’s sixth studio record, follows this kind of pattern. The first couple songs, “Quiet Town” and “Summertime” are fine, but it’s safe to say that they're merely appetizers for what follows, which is some of the best music that has been released so far in 2006. The third track, “It Looks Like Love,” has such a great hook that it could have replaced almost any tune on Fleetwood Mac’s
Rumours and would have been a hit. It’s easily one of Rouse’s best songs—a timeless offering that, if played on the radio, would have people singing and smiling for weeks.
The good news is that Subtitulo maintains a high level after the brilliance of “It Looks Like Love.” “Jersey Clowns,” a sad tune about a tough-luck man who is in for some bad news, shows off Rouse’s storytelling and finger picking abilities, while “His Majesty Rides” dazzles with its poppy melody.
You could argue that
1972 and
Dressed Up Like Nebraska still represent Rouse’s best body of work, but if his career were to be judged solely by the songs on
Subtitulo, I am sure Rouse would like the results. Looks like Josh has found a way. Again.
For more info see: joshrouse.com
