The Bottom Line
Pros
- Sympathize
- Freedom
- Supply and Demand
- Sweet Pea
Cons
- None
Description
- Luscious, full arrangements and home-hitting lyrics
- More great jazzy, gospel, r&b-infused folk-pop
- Overall a more honest record that shows off more of Lee's natural skills as a writer
Guide Review - Amos Lee - Supply and Demand
In a recent interview, Lee suggested the album is "about keep[ing] important things close to your heart." Indeed, the issues he grapples with on Supply and Demand are possibly the most important things in life: love, freedom, expression, and peace.Lee has a political side on this record, as well. On the timely "Freedom," he sings, "This is only gonna get worse if we let it ... freedom is seldom found by beating someone to the ground." Meanwhile, the title track talks about keeping your head in the face of a changing world ("I think it's about time I figured it out ... life ain't only supply and demand").
Lee has a haunting voice, and, like his female counterpart and labelmate Norah Jones, it can be easy to let his songs slip into the background. Like his self-titled debut, Supply and Demand is great for dark, quiet days or late nights driving in the rain. Listen closely, though, and you'll find his artistry as a songwriter has become more pronounced since his previous effort.
Even ladykiller tunes like "Sweet Pea" and "Southern Girl" come across, catchy arrangements and all, like less of an introduction to what Lee is capable of. Where his self-titled debut spent more time hinting at Lee's possibilities as a songwriter and performer, Supply and Demand truly delivers.
