Matthew Ryan

When Matthew Ryan's debut was released in 1997, comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and every singer-songwriter in between came fast and furious. And it's easy to hear why: Ryan's gritty vocals put him squarely in the shadow of those giants. In truth, his sound most closely resembles late-era Soul Asylum, overflowing with passion and possibility. His second album shows a more tempered side -- although the fiery, blue-collar troubadour still has plenty to ruminate about while he sets pensive, brawny propositions to ringing guitars, à la U2.