RON SEXSMITH > Exit Strategy of the Soul

Canadian singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith has been celebrated for keeping it simple: At the heart of such masterpieces as Other Songs (1997) and Retriever (2004) are eloquent lyrics and gentle melodies. On Exit Strategy of the Soul, his ninth full-length album, Sexsmith sticks with what works, once again partnering with producer Martin Terefe, to create earnest, effective folk-pop songs.Label: Yep Roc 
[Rating: 3.5 STARS]

Canadian singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith has been celebrated for keeping it simple: At the heart of such masterpieces as Other Songs (1997) and Retriever (2004) are eloquent lyrics and gentle melodies. On Exit Strategy of the Soul, his ninth full-length album, Sexsmith sticks with what works, once again partnering with producer Martin Terefe, to create earnest, effective folk-pop songs. This time, however, it feels as if he’s stretching new muscles in his musical canon by adding sweeping horns and pleasantly imperfect piano arrangements. What results from his risk-taking is a richly satisfying album from start to finish. Full of hope, “This Is How I Know” finds Sexsmith at his most confident, vocally, and most evocative, emotionally. Backed by buoyant horns, “Brandy Alexander” is a lighthearted take on the song he co-wrote with fellow Canadian Leslie Feist, whose version appears on 2007’s The Reminder. Even in its bleakest moments (“Ghost of a Chance,” “Hard Time”), Sexsmith’s voice shimmers and spirit soars proving Exit Strategy of the Soul to be his latest triumph.