Home by Dawn is J.D. Souther's best album since his eponymous debut LP twelve years ago. The main reason is the abundance of ballads that underline the influence of the Everly Brothers on Southern California rock. Unlike the Everlys, however, Souther is not a nice boy. Would Phil or Don ever pin a date to the screen door at the end of the evening and sing, "You could be the girl I'm searchin' for, but I hardly know your name/Why don't you love me anyway?" That's what Souther does on "Go Ahead and Rain." Or would they call the object of desire on "Bad News Travels Fast" a "poor, little, heartbroken parvenu with a tragic face"? Nevertheless, many a woman has fallen for such brutish romancing - especially when it's coming from a smooth sweet-talker like Souther - and "I'll Take Care of You," "Go Ahead and Rain" and "Don't Know What I'm Gonna Do" rank right up there with his forlorn classics "Run like a Thief" and "Faithless Love." The uptempo tunes, which recall the Eagles, are more routine, though the album does feature a sizzling duet with Linda Ronstadt called "Say You Will." An homage to Buddy Holly, the track includes a snatch of "Everyday." (RS 424)

DON SHEWEY