Joe Henry

After winning a Grammy for producing the Solomon Burke comeback Don't Give Up On Me, Joe Henry emerges with his most straightforward collection in years, an easy-shuffling set that presents a smart blend of stalwart stylists like Tom Waits and Dr. John. He leaves behind some of the elaborate thematic constructions that cluttered Tiny Voices, sounding content as can be with a dark love song like "Pray For You" or the elegant dirge of "Our Song," which follows baseball great Willie Mayes through a Home Depot in the unforgiving 'burbs of Arizona.