Chris Isaak is never going to reinvent the wheel, but he has made a solid career out of giving Roy Orbison’s Cadillac a new coat of paint. From earning David Lynch’s applause in the 1980s, to the bad boy throwback crooner of the ‘90s, Isaak’s consistency and integrity hasn’t waned in the face of ever changing fashions and trends. First Comes the Night is a full-length record of pure Isaak, centred on his charming wit, smooth vocals and traditional rock‘n’roll backing.
Recorded primarily in Nashville, the record takes on a distinctive Southern flavour, with the ghosts of country legends resonating through all 12 tracks. After the classic rock‘n’roll warm-up of the title track, the record takes a darker turn with Please Don’t Call; a pleading ballad of vanquished romance. After showcasing his troubled sensitivity, the groove returns on Down in Flames, a toast to Isaak’s prediction he’ll spend eternity burning in damnation for his lifetime of sins. The country influence becomes fully realised on four to the floor stomper, Dry Your Eyes, a rocker full of twang and attitude. Isaak’s early focus on hit singles has fallen by the wayside in favour of solid sounds and well thought musical narratives.
While the record doesn’t uncover any new ground, the fact that Isaak’s career has remained successful for longer than many of those he has been accused of imitating is perhaps his strongest suit. It’s refreshing to hear such a committed artist capably delivering a solid and enjoyable record 30 years after his debut. Equal parts Roy Orbison and the King, Isaak’s voice and energy are as fresh and convincing as ever.
BY JOE HANSEN
