Mr. Lucky

Seven full years after 2002's ALWAYS GOT TONIGHT, renowned singer-songwriter Chris Isaak finally unveiled its studio follow-up, MR. LUCKY, another fine collection of retro-minded pop. Reliable as ever with his Roy Orbison-influenced croon and pristine melodies, Isaak largely sticks to romantic ballads (the regretful "We Let Her Down" and the tearful "You Don't Cry Like I Do"). Not content to solely wallow in lovelorn territory, however, Isaak eases through the breezy "We've Got Tomorrow" and floors it on the rave-up "Mr. Lonely Man", revealing the dynamic qualities that have endeared him to many. The charming vocalist/guitarist also slips into country mode on the twangy "Best I Ever Had" and leads a horn-laden number on "Big Wide Wonderful World", once again proving that he's a true showman. Fittingly enough, MR. LUCKY ties in with the debut of THE CHRIS ISAAK HOUR on the A&E Channel, leaving Isaak's considerable performing abilities without question.|