Six years after his debut album Trouble (2004), Ray Lamontagne has become an established name. On his fourth album his backing band gets a name for the first time: The Pariah Dogs. In addition, Lamontagne took care of the production itself for the first time. This makes it clear how great the influence of producer Ethan Johns was on Ray's first three albums, each of which convinced in its own way.
Unfortunately, no matter how familiar Lamontagne's beautifully gritty voice comes out of the speakers this time, God Willin '& The Creek Don't Rise is the first disappointing record in his oeuvre. After a gently swinging start with the acoustic funk blues Repo Man, nine interchangeable country songs follow, complete with pedal and lap steel. Where Johns maintained a strict song selection and gave each song its own timbre, Lamontagne opted for not very memorable song material and obvious arrangements. In one of the better songs, New York City's Killing Me, Lamontagne sings about his longing for peace. Unfortunately, his tiredness resonates too much in this record. (MS)more
