Title: Too Much of a Good Thing
Review: Because he shows such promise, it seems churlish to complain about Ryan Adam's Gold. But ambition ain't achievement, and though he'll no doubt get there, he ain't there yet. That said, Gold is a mighty fine, derivative work. In his defense, Adams is a stellar writer - whatever the genre he's working over, he's passionate and focussed - and, more importantly, he's a limber singer who adapts to the style of the moment. His rockers rock; his ballads are direct and moving. Problem is synthesis - as each track goes by, you tick off the antecedents: Stones-rip, Who anthem, Van Morrison stroll, Elton John love tune, with the rare track that feels completely his own. Other problem is length: 16 songs, 5 more on extra disc, and it's too much of a good thing. Once again, less is more.
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