At My Age

Once a young ambitious musician and producer known for his quick, instinctive style (hence his nickname “The Basher”), in recent years British rocker Nick Lowe has settled into his role as a dignified, aging singer-songwriter who keeps the spirit of country, soul and ‘50’s-‘60’s styled pop alive with matter-of-fact reflections on a human nature that’s less than perfect. Lowe delivers his lyrics with a crisp, unpretentious croon that softens his tunes’ inherent cynicism. He recalls the professional country purrings of Ray Price with his own “A Better Man” where he states at the opening, “In my life I’ve done things I’m not proud of” over a sparse, tasteful backing group. R&B horns compliment the cool evening sway of the Stax-influenced “Hope For Us All” and add a desolate edge to “Love’s Got A Lot To Answer For.” “People Change,” with a hint of Chrissie Hynde on backing vocals, lightheartedly acknowledges the unpredictable whims of love. Lowe’s found the unlikely balance of aging gracefully without losing the spring in his step.