American Child
Former Nashville club owner and celebrated songwriter Phil Vassar took country's mainstream by storm withhis self-titled 2000 debut. OnAmerican Child, his follow-up, Vassar's accomplished performances, along with his intense romanticism and best-of-all-worlds optimism, once again shine through boldly on smooth yet impassioned originals like "Baby, You're Right," "Stand Still," "Ultimate Love," and the wistfully patriotic title tune. Even on soul searchers and potential downers like "I Thought I Would Never Forget" and "Someone You Love," Vassar never sounds like his angst is much more than skin deep or his romantic confusion more than a fleeting glint of gray in life's unflaggingly sunny skies. Thus his sophomore song collection, with its robust mixture of artistry, confidence, and earnest hopefulness, will likely expand the robust middle-of-the-road audience he cultivated with his celebrated debut.--Bob Allen