And judging by the quality of this album, I’d say it’s a pretty good entry point.  I can’t say with any authority how well it stands up to his previous work, but taken on its own, this is a very pleasant listening experience for any fans of folk music.

But Ritter hasn’t written just another run of the mill, Starbucks-ready folk album.  Some of these songs are downright literary in scope, and it’s Ritter’s ability to tell complex stories over the course of five minute songs that is most impressive.  And it doesn’t hurt that he’s got a great voice to do it with.

Ritter’s voice, a warm country-tinged instrument, is a large reason why he’s elicited numerous comparisons to Bob Dylan.  And while some of that inflection is certainly present here, I’d say he actually sounds more like Paul Simon on a good number of these tunes (just listen to “Lark” and try not to be reminded of Graceland).  But, really, is it fair to compare a young artist to such luminaries?  Probably not.  And, for his part, Ritter does enough to establish his own identity.

After a completely unnecessary opener, the album kicks off with “Change of Time,” a sweet song that sets the tone for much of what is to follow with its themes of nature, travel, exploration, and wistful love.  But Ritter’s verbose literary style really shines on the tracks “The Curse” and “Another New World.”  The former is about a mummy who falls in love with the woman who discovered him, only to realize the pain of a love necessarily limited by the span of mortal life.  The latter, my choice for top song on the album, is perhaps the best musical parable about the love between a man and an inanimate object (in this case, a maritime ship).  The song tells the tale of Christopher Columbus’ fictional journey to uncover the song’s namesake in the frozen north.  As his crew deserts him in the icy wasteland, he’s left with only his beloved ship, the Annabelle Lee.  The story then takes a turn toward The Giving Tree, and well, it’s all unexpectedly moving; and that’s the sign of a gifted lyricist.

The album hits a few rough patches when Ritter tries to write straight rock ‘n’ roll songs.  The urgency on “Rattling Locks” and “The Remnant” feels a bit forced (and the incessant drum beat on the latter is downright annoying).  “See How Man Was Made” feels undercooked.  I think there was a much better song to be made there.

Essentially, Ritter, and this album, are best when they stay in low gear, opting to kill ‘em with kindness and tenderness rather than commotion.  As a newcomer, So Runs the World Away definitely made a fan of me.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

-Sam

I’ve had the chance to listen through it one time already and it is an incredible record. This album is a bit more varied in its tone than his previous album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter. Ritter’s songwriting is always full of fantastic imagery and hidden meanings. He has been compared to a few legendary music storytellers like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.  I’ve yet to be disappointed with anything this man has released, so check out this album right here.

Just as a quick note,  also keep an eye open next summer for the release of his first novel. There isn’t much of anything known about the novel except for is Summer 2011 release date.

The album will be called So Runs the World Away.  And Mr. Ritter is nice enough to be giving away one of the tracks off the album, “Change of Time,” as a free mp3.  All you have to do is visit his website and give your email address so the download link can be sent to you.

I first heard about Ritter through his songs “Thin Blue Flame” and “To the Dogs or Whoever” and this latest song matches up well.  If you like honest folk rock with a sweet sound, you should give this track a listen.

-Sam