Joseph Arthur

More proof positive that Peter Gabriel has far better taste in "international" acts than Western ones - recall that he launched the career of Paula Cole. His Real World label enters the pop fray with this young American, who shows promise when he's not trying to make music for modern rock radio formats. With a smoky Mark Lanegan-type voice, Arthur shines on the album's bookends ("In The Sun," "Speed Of Light") while muddling around on ten tracks in between, the trippy "Invisible Hands" being the only exception. Our Lady Peace might sound like this once they mellow out in ten years, and if that thought doesn't intrigue you then you're better off with any one of dozens of more promising songwriters.