Blue Motel

After coming up a winner on his 2014 album, , stuck to the formula of mixing relaxed soft rock with sophisticated '80s pop on his next transmission, 2018's . This time fronting a band called doubles down on the smoothness and sophistication, while cutting the tempos and adding a synthy sheen to most of the songs. He and the band, plus producer/synth player , never break a sweat as they glide through a selection of restrained ballads, gentle midtempo tracks, and lightly shimmering pop songs. Through it all, 's tenderly crooned vocals are soothing and friendly, sounding as soft as a warm, encouraging hug. Fittingly, there are no sharp edges on , which can sometimes shift the album into the background as the synths pad along quietly, the bass plucks softly, and sings like he's under a blanket. It's mood music made for reflection and peaceful repose. Tracks like "Life Under Water" and "Single Life" are still and pretty, "Time Machine for Two" is sweetly romantic, and "Halloween by the Sea" sounds like a sparse version of vintage . Even the tracks that have a little pep in their step, like the almost strutting "What's Your Secret (Cleo)" and "Your Sorrow," move with a calm ease that doesn't break the surface. These songs give guitarist a chance to shine as he unspools delicate arpeggios and chimes like a somnambulant . His work on the almost rocking "Grownups" is a master class in jangle. Touches like these help keep the record from fading out of focus; so does the soulful grace of 's vocals and the pleasing sweetness of the melodies. is the definition of a sleeper; it won't grab you on first listen, but given a chance, its subtle charms will sink in deeply and won't let go. ~ Tim Sendra