Finally, Ryan Adams is back to making good music. Years ago, he was producing albums like “Stranger’s Almanac” with Whiskeytown and “Heartbreak” solo, and he was breaking the hearts of music fans everywhere. His latest missives have been, at times, interesting, but have become increasingly less noteworthy with each album. On his latest album, the double-disc “Cold Roses,” Adams takes his music back to the beautiful melodies of “Heartbreaker” and the smart hooks of “Stranger’s Almanac.” The album begins with the wistfully beautiful “Magnolia Mountain” and continues impressively through both discs. Thank God—Ryan’s back!
— Casey Parks
