It has been thirty years since the All-American boy Chris Isaak released his debut album, Silvertone, via Warner Bros. Records. An introduction to his distinctive voice and Rockabilly sound, Isaak quickly went on to become a massive success within a few records, and by the time 1989’s Heart Shaped World hit, his name was internationally known. Anchored by one of the biggest songs of all-time, “Wicked Game,” the singer-songwriter went on to release one big record after another including standouts, 1995’s Forever Blue, 1996’s Baja Sessions, and 2002’s Always Got Tonight. Continuously putting out new music, occasionally acting, Isaak returns in 2015 with his brand new studio record First Comes The Night. His second record via Vanguard Records, it marks his first since 2011’s primarily cover album Beyond the Sun. Featuring a long list of musicians, back with Isaak are his regular band of Drummer Kenney Dale Johnson, Guitarist Hershel Yatovitz, Bassist Rowland Salley, Pianist Scott Plunkett, and Percussion Rafael Padilla. While Isaak has been active touring year after year, bringing fantastic live performances to his fans all over, First Comes The Night is a long overdue record of all original material.
Kicking off with the title track, “First Comes The Night,” it is a slow, thoughtful piece where Isaak sings some melancholic and romantic lines to the listener about hope that comes after pain. Coming in much faster is “Please Don’t Call,” a catchy and thriving song which will provoke the listener to move along to the rhythm. Then there is “Perfect Lover,” which seems to be a love song by the title, instead, it ends up being a sad song about a person that was thought to be the perfect lover, but turned out differently. Taking on a Johnny Cash style vibe, “Down in Flames” is a catchy cut about how Isaak leaves the world. A throwback sound of sorts, lyrically, Isaak compares himself with other musicians, particularly Country stars, and how they went out, saying he as well is going down in flames.
Continuing that style, “Reverie” is a song wandering between what comes after life and after love. Melancholic in tone, it is a sad song with beautiful lyrics and melodies. Another track about lost love, “Baby What You Want Me to Do” features a catchy beat and amazing melodies that immediately makes the listeners want to get up and move. Thereafter, the song “Kiss Me Like a Stranger” has an intro which is reminiscent of “Wicked Game.” It is a beautiful love song with a touch of tragedy attached to it, making it a standout on the album. “Dry Your Eyes” is not as loaded with emotions, but still a love song about not having to worry and relying on the loved one. Coming on with a very Funky sound is “Don’t Break My Heart,” where it feels almost like being thrusted into a carnival. Jazzy and thriving throughout the entire song, it will definitely catch the listener’s attention and get them grooving to the melody.
Moving into “Running Down the Road,” there is a strong focus on the piano. Creating a atmosphere of being in a saloon somewhere in the West during frontier times and it is brilliant. “With a much more upbeat and modern tone, “Insects” discusses the topic of selling out for money and fame without having true friends. A song that does not quite fit conceptually with the rest of First Comes The Night, it is still extremely catchy. This leads into the final offering, “The Way Things Really Are,” which features a piano and guitars creating a soft, heartwarming, and almost heartbreaking sensation. Talking about memories and dreams, it concludes the record in a fitting fashion.
First Comes The Night brings back the beauty of American Rock music. Soft and heartfelt, Isaak offers some beautiful love songs that are timeless. The sound of each track is full, textured, and inviting. It is a perfect album for the Winter time, the cold and dark days, time to light up the open-fire and put on First Comes The Night. CrypticRock gives this album 4 out of 5 stars.
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