Nothing Left to Hide

On NOTHING LEFT TO HIDE, Texas singer/songwriter Cory Morrow unveils a solid album that balances twangy country with energetic rock. Whether he's surging through the upbeat opener ("Heart of Fire"), easing into the gentle title track, or drifting through the spare, Joe Henry-like "Carnival Ride," Morrow is always engaging, allowing his warm, direct vocals to carry his songs' rural narratives. Backed by a tight band that includes frequent collaborator John Carroll on guitar and Wallflowers organist Rami Jaffe (who offers up his always-distinctive Hammond lines), Morrow turns in a remarkably confident set of tunes here, making NOTHING LEFT TO HIDE one of 2005's finest under-the-radar country-rock releases.