From looking at the moody grey cover photograph on Griffin's debut CD 'No-One wants To Be Lonely', you get the distinct impression that the solo artist has been listening to one Radiohead album too many. However, don't confiscate his shoelaces just yet, as despite Griffin's decidedly gloomy demeanour, this disc bounces with the kind of melodic acoustic pop-rock that would lift even a roomful of manic depressives.
A native of North Carolina, Griffin moved to Nashville to live his dream of writing and performing music, and on this evidence, that gamble seems to have paid off. Opening track 'Who's Gonna Love You Now' is typical of Griffin's style, with a great catchy melody and vocals more than a little reminiscent of Don Henley. But that's not to say his voice has no individuality or presence to it, as he handles the high notes of the song's hook spectacularly.
'If Only In My Dreams' is another upbeat, snappy pop/rocker that defines Griffin's sound. There's no real surprises lyrically, but it's clear that he has an ear for a melody, even though he playfully attributes this to plagiarism in his liner notes!
Even if that was true, after one listen to standout tracks 'She Could Take Me' and 'Was It Love', I doubt anyone would have the heart to sue the ass off him. Both songs show an introspective, thoughtful side to Griffin's songwriting, with the former being a gorgeous song about surrender, and the latter a wistful look back at that first, lost relationship. Touching stuff indeed, and both songs benefit from some atmospheric guitar work and measured vocals.
However, Griffin is able to mix it up a little as proved by the rocking 'Shadow Of Doubt' and the delicate ballads 'How Do I Stop Dreaming' and the title track. In particular, 'Shadow Of Doubt' is given an impressive depth to its sound thanks to some stellar Hammond work. The addictive hooks and incessant melodies of songs like this beg to be compared with Nelson's classic pop/rock album 'Life'. Griffin isn't at that extremely high standard yet, but the promise is certainly there.
The album isn't about to win prizes for breaking particularly new ground, but it does recognise the strength of Griffin's songwriting and wisely plays to that. Perhaps Griffin's next album may toughen up his sound a little, but overall 'No One Wants To Be Lonely' makes for a pleasant, engaging listen that should appeal to people on the lookout for a talented singer songwriter with tremendous country/pop crossover appeal.

Band Website | Contact Band | Give Us Feedback on Review