Keeping it simple is exactly what Keb’ Mo does on his sixth record, a folk-lite set dominated by acoustic arrangements, tender vocals, tranquil thoughts, squeaky-clean production and effortless playing. But therein lies the problem — it’s all a bit too relaxed. Once heralded as a next-generation country bluesman, Mo’ has never sounded further removed from realizing the potential of his soulful 1994 debut than he does here. While the artist clearly remains an accomplished musician — he even gives glimpses of what could be, with the occasional burnished slide-guitar solo — his latest songs lack fire and conviction. Having slid comfortably into a bluesy adult-contemporary style better wrought by James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt, Mo’s liveliest trait is the pair of dangling apostrophes that trail his first and last name.
