Amos Lee: Amos Lee : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Twenty-seven-year-old singer-songwriter Amos Lee's civilized folk soul -- with its nostalgic chord progressions and cappuccino-warm organ -- would fit well on any Starbucks playlist. Contrary to what some have said, though, Lee isn't really a male version of Norah Jones (who adds some piano here): His mix of acoustic guitar and R&B-bred singing is more reminiscent of Bill Withers or Tracy Chapman. Ultimately, the world-weary lyrics and exquisite vocal command Lee displays on his strongest ballads (e.g., "Seen It All Before") make his debut album more than pleasant wallpaper. And the arresting "Bottom of the Barrel," which combines bluegrass-y guitar with Otis Redding-like vocal flourishes, might even distract some listeners from their grande lattes.