One of the most difficult hurdles to overcome for a musician to overcome on the heels of a critically acclaimed debut record is the dreaded follow-up. In music-biz circles, it's known as the "sophomore slump," and very few manage to elude it. One who has - and in a huge way - is singer/songwriter John Jennings, who also functions as Mary Chapin Carpenter's producer and guitarist. His I Belong To You is an eclectic gem that blends heartfelt, expressive lyrics with cleverly crafted elements of folk, country, r&b and Brit-pop power chording. Jennings delivers a one-two punch with the CD's opening track, "Movieland," a rhythmically charged romp that examines the dream-versus-reality scenarios that, unfortunately, accompany many relationships. As the tune builds in emotional intensity, Jennings segues into an instrumental bridge that features a cool, Beatlesqe, single note blending of guitar and piano, played by session stalwart Jon Carroll.
Longstanding musical partner Carpenter lends strong vocal support to the title track - a brilliantly delivered, stark look at the emotional shackles and denial that imprison the victim of an abusive relationship.
In the opening verse of the sparsely textured "Who Am I Tonight," Jennings cuts right to the chase in addressing a relationship whose passionate flame has been extinguished, as he plaintively laments to his lover, "Now you close your eyes and turn away / To drift off to some much better place / If I should disturb you in your sleep / Think of me with someone else's face." Ouch!
Failed love pops up again in "The Simplest Thing." Lack of communication coupled with foolish pride are the culprits this time, and Jennings drives home the point with an impassioned Warren Zevon-like vocal delivery propelled by a thumping backbeat and chiming electric twelve-string guitar.
Jennings is a gifted storyteller whose knack for poignant narrative detail invites obvious comparisons to songwriters Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, and Hal Ketchum. Not only that, he's also a helluva musician. In addition to providing all of the killer guitar parts heard on I Belong To You, he functions as a one man backup band on many of the tracks, playing bass, mandolin, Dobro, and drums. From that perspective alone, I Belong To You is a truly remarkable recording. - Rick Petreycik