Again is the 13 studio solo album from Dave Edmunds. During my younger years, I was incredibly fond of this Englishman. My entry point into his music was undoubtedly the bluegrass-tinged DE7. After that, I picked up the then-latest album Closer to the Flame, and from there, it really took off. Today, I own virtually all of his albums, either on CD or vinyl. Again was one I had completely missed. I was under the mistaken impression that Plugged In from 1994 was his final album — and by “final” I really mean final, not just the latest.
In any case, Again had to be investigated! Much to my disappointment, I quickly realized that this isn’t an album that holds up for me. Sure, the familiar rockabilly-pop sound that has historically been Dave Edmunds’ trademark is instantly recognizable. But the production is incredibly thin. I’m someone who normally doesn’t care much for overpowering bass, so you’d think I’d be thrilled — but no. It all just sounds far too thin.
Another letdown is that a couple of the tracks had already appeared on previous albums. Why release a new album and include material from the last one (even if it came out nine years earlier)? Still, despite my disappointment, I find myself listening to Again over and over. What does that mean? Well, it’s surprisingly easy to listen to — and even if it’s dull or uninspired, it doesn’t matter. After a long day, this is exactly the kind of music that helps me unwind.
Rating it is, as always, difficult. Weighing the replay factor against my initial disappointment, I still feel like it deserves a relatively high score. Hmm… By the way, the album’s best track? Return to Sender.
