CD Review

The tenacity of Daniel Hutchens makes little sense. Over the course of six albums with his band, Bloodkin, and two solo albums, he has skirted both critical and popular acknowledgement, despite writing some of the most prolific verse to grace southern rock in the last decade. Yet Hutchens keeps on. His most recent solo offering, Love Songs for Losers, is ample evidence of his world-weary view that begs for redemption, and the loose, rock-and-roll swagger which brings the words of this old soul to life. Over mostly acoustic, sparing compositions, Hutchens combats demons (“Dharma Knife”), meditates on isolation (“Haunting Montezuma”) and analyzes ever-changing priorities inherent in growing older (“Sacrifice”). Each track plays out like a Flannery O’Connor confessional; sweat, grit and life are tied tight to Hutchens’ hardened revelations and dogged introspection. Thanks to tenacity, Hutchens' continues to perfect his craft, and one listen to Love Songs for Losers makes it clear that recognition is long overdue.