Let It Go (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Paul Colman (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, loops); Ed Cash (electric guitar, keyboards, bass instrument, programming, background vocals); Jeff Roach (piano, Hammond b-3 organ, keyboards); Eric Darken (vibraphone, percussion); Matt Pierson (bass instrument); Kenny Aronoff (drums); Jason Ingram, Debra Arlyn (background vocals).

On a new label (Inpop) and with a slate of new producers including Newsboys' headman Peter Furler, one of Australia's most successful indie exports delivered a revved-up collection of jangle pop on Let It Go. Rather than continuing forward as the Paul Colman Trio, the singer/guitarist was backed by an ensemble of supporting musicians and songwriting partners including Jason Ingram and Ed Cash (Bebo Norman). You get the feeling that a lot of folks want Colman to succeed on this album, as a host of style variances grace each track. "Sweet River" has a brooding rock feel, while "The One Thing" and "I Owe It All" could almost pass as country. But Colman's natural acoustic-driven pop gives the entire project enough cohesion to keep it from feeling like the songs passed through too many hands. The lyrics stick with the time-worn theme of worship in an imperfect world. While the album generally doesn't broach any new subjects, "Last Night in America" poses curious questions about whether to turn the other cheek to hatred or take a stand against it. Let It Go is the best parts of Bebo Norman, Matthew West and R.E.M. all wrapped up in glossy production. ~ Jared Johnson minimize