Colin Hay brings wisdom with age

Alison Smyth

Colin Hay – American Sunshine

Rating: B-

Label: Compass Records

Rocks Like:… Alison Smyth

Colin Hay – American Sunshine

Rating: B-

Label: Compass Records

Rocks Like: Men at Work, Sting

Colin Hay performs ruggedly upbeat pop well. His music carries a masculine edge without boasting about conquests and beer.

Instead, it holds a paternal voice of experience that appeals to 20-something Zach Braff-types and crosses generational gaps. Braff might have publicized Hay’s work through appearances on “Scrubs” and songs in “Garden State,” but you can hardly credit the actor for the musician’s success.

Hay plays in a laid-back, yet well thought-out style throughout the record. American Sunshine surrounds listeners in dense melodies, but Hay knows when to add bongos to give his music a chill effect. “Oh California” could relax the most overworked among us, evoking images of sun and sand. Even when the sound becomes richer and more complex vocally, like in “Prison Time,” that feeling of ease remains.

The female backing vocals on “No Time” add a Neko Case-like quality that nicely complements Hay’s lower melody. The song rings cheerful without becoming sappy.

Throughout, Hay tries on styles reminiscent of country western Elvis tunes to those that resemble a lighter, acoustic version of Morrissey.

Bongos or ballads, Colin Hay’s music remains all his own. Rest assured there won’t be any melancholy verses in either style.

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