Ryan Adams (Ryan Adams) | 4/5

SINGAPORE — Considering the state of pop-rock this year — where a guitar-playing boy band called 5 Seconds To Summer is considered representative of the genre — it’s reassuring that artists like Ryan Adams are able to move forward by looking backwards. Although references are made to The Wipers and Husker Du (both essentially hardcore punk bands from the ‘80s) and you can also argue the influence of `80s alternative rockers The Replacements, the music on this eponymous album recalls the ‘70s, with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty prominently featured as prime inspirations. It takes that classic ‘70s pop-rock approach and the quality of the songwriting makes this album a definite standout in an era where guitar rock of its ilk has been severely marginalised in the mainstream pop arena. Tracks like Stay With Me (complete with the obligatory guitar solo), the opening Gimme Something Good and My Wrecking Ball prove that there is still much to be mined from that special epoch. Hopefully, more artists will follow Adams’ lead. It’s time rock ‘n’ roll made that long overdue comeback.