Ben Kweller-Changing Horses

I've never been a huge fan of the previous efforts from Ben Kweller. Didn't care for the first record, or the second record, and thought the S/T album had more misses than hits. I was driving home from work one day and was listening to WERS and heard the slide guitar and banjo towards the end of 'Sawdust Man.' Was surprised to hear it was Ben Kweller, but I figured I'd have to give him another chance. I picked up the 'How Ya Doin' Southbound' EP and was pleasantly surprised with it. Even better, a new album was scheduled to be released just a few months later. Despite hearing three out of the ten songs on the prior EP, I was excited to check out 'Changing Horses.' From November 1st until the end of 2008, I probably listened to this album close to 100 times. I'd press play and literally listen to the album on repeat for hours on end. The pop alt-country vibes this album gives off are undeniable and would serve as an excellent introduction to alt-country acts a majority of Kweller fans may not typically take a chance on. The album opens up on a slow note with 'Gypsy Rose', the albums weakest track in my opinion, and doesn't truly pick up until the honky tonk piano fueled 'Fight.' From that point on, you're in for an extremely fun ride musically and lyrically. Kweller seems at his best sticking with his pop elements in songs such as 'Hurtin' You' and 'On Her Own.' I've read a few reviews for this record claiming that there's too much slide guitar infused on 'Changing Horses.' Although that could be correct, it doesn't effect things negatively in my opinion as I really enjoy the direction Kweller took on this record. My one, and only complaint about this album is it's re-playability factor. I went back and listened to this album and found myself skipping songs, and seeming nowhere near as interested as I did when I first discovered this record. To me, a truly great album separates itself when you can be amazed by it on it's release; put it away for a few months, and pick it back up as if you never missed a beat. Lyrically, Kweller keeps things simple - though it tends to work for him. Musically, there isn't anything groundbreaking on this album, but it serves as a great introduction to alt-country for any newcomers with Kweller's pop talents sprinkled in all throughout.

Overall; 7 out of 10