Playful melodies abound on this six-song offering from Winnipeg pop singer James Struthers. Lighthearted with a dash of melancholy, Struthers navigates through the album with the smooth, jazz-inspired ease of Norah Jones and the pop energy of Colbie Caillat. Unfortunately, this doesn’t bode well for the originality category. Songs address love and loss from childhood affection all the way to alcohol-sodden regret and nostalgia, but always with a tone of innocence that remains charming. That is, until it gets annoying. The combination of drums, guitars and pianos never gets heavy; the songs are catchy, but not memorable in the way that will make people crave another listen. That being said, put Only for the Night and You, Me and Optimus Prime in your mellow party mix and you won’t be disappointed. Struthers provides a solid record but shows the potential for so much more.

Published in Volume 65, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 4, 2010)