Shane Alexander
The Sky Below
BuddhaLand Music

Shane Alexander has a bright, poppy sound on this album and his melodies sparkle. Opener "Amsterdam" has pop perfection down to a tee, all yearning vocals and easily hummable melody. "She Didn't Need Me" is a sad, reflective song that nonetheless has a giddy melody. Alexander pulls a few tricks from the Crowded House songbook here.

"Homesick Again" continues the trend of sad yet happy songs played to perfection. Alexander has a knack for writing them. The title song is one of the quieter, lovelier moments here, recalling Damien Rice. Shane Alexander has just made a perfect pop album.

Copyright © 2008 Anna Maria Stjärnell