Chance

Album Review

Judging by the gritty guitar rock opening of "Clean up This Mess," Ken Boynton sounds as if he's trying a bit too hard and forcing the issue much too much. But generally it's a minor blip on the forgetful radar. On the softer, more acoustic and melodic songs such as "Rain and Rain" and "Winter's Coming," his craft comes to the forefront despite the quick start and stop into the chorus in the latter track. The title number, a slow-moving ballad with various strings and violin, has the performer at his height, with the music and lyrics working in unison. Some of the lyrics have a slight Christian hue to them, but it's far from preachy. Only a few tunes have a well-trodden beat, particularly the '50s swing of "Long Gone." Continuing along the soft pop road has its advantages here, as "I Can See" comes off as a modern-day Elvis Costello arrangement, complete with saxophone. Few risks are taken musically, although "It Isn't Me" comes close to pushing the envelope without being over the top.