Lucky Ones

Pat Green’s scruffy, affable sound is often uncannily close to the ‘80s-era work of native Hoosier John Cougar Mellencamp. The resemblance seems intentional, given that old Cougar hands Don Gehman (producer), Lisa Germano (violinist), and Kenny Aronoff (drum) all make their presence felt in these tracks. Still Green manages to assert his own personality throughout the album, singing with a well-rounded tenor seasoned with a Texas twang. A small-town summer night feel pervades upbeat tracks like “Baby Doll,” “One Thing” and “It’s Time.” Green loosens up still further on the Counting Crows-like “Over and Over” and takes a detour into brooding swamp-rock on “Sweet Revenge.” “College” — a genially nostalgic number sung with Brad Paisley — is a highlight. Also worth special notice is “Long Way to Go (Headed Home),” a wistful country travelogue with an irresistible hook. Lucky Ones conjures up an easy-going heartland atmosphere somewhere between Lone Star country and Midwest rock. Green makes it an enjoyable space to linger in.