Ben Kweller’s fourth studio album is a country record – and unashamedly so. The title is appropriate – it refers to the Texas-based songwriter’s decision to try his hand at alt-country. But is Changing Horses any good? Kweller’s father was good friends with ex-Crazy Horse and E Street Band member Nils Lofgren, so country has played a part in Kweller’s formative years.
He’s clearly familiar with the genre’s conventions, but hearing his distinctive voice waft throughout Gram Parsons-esque slow ballads like ‘Old Hat’, takes many listens to get used to. Ultimately, it’s the upbeat numbers like ‘Hurtin’ You’ that are the most successful, and Kweller is always endearing, but perhaps Kweller should be leaving this stuff up to Ryan Adams and sticking to infectious power pop.
BEN KWELLER – Changing Horses
Shock/ATO
3.5/5
by Noah Cross