Strong Feelings

Canadian singer/songwriter Doug Paisley captures the feel of a mid-'70s country-rock album on Strong Feelings. With an ease reminiscent of another Canadian—Gordon Lightfoot—in his prime, Paisley strolls through the majestic “Radio Girl,” with The Band’s Garth Hudson on piano (providing a touching coda) and Robbie Grunwald maintaining the vibe on electric piano. Hudson moves to organ for “Song My Love Can Sing,” while Emmett Kelly handles lead guitar and harmony vocals. “What’s Up Is Down,” with harmonies from Mary Margaret O’Hara, lets Paisley show off his impressive fingerpicking skills; his acoustic guitar, Garth Hudson’s piano, Darcy Yates’ bass, and Colin Stetson’s saxophone solo create a perfect small-band feel. Ballads and midtempo tracks are Paisley’s preferences, and “Old Times,” “Growing Souls,” “Our Love," and “Where the Light Takes You” flow with confidence. On an album filled with modest strokes, Paisley ends with “Because I Love You,” a duet with Mary Margaret O’Hara; it shows how easily performances come to those with the talent.