If you've been reading for more than a month or two, you've probably picked up on the fact that we really love albums that are diverse rather than sticking to one sort of sound throughout. Good and Reckless and True by The Alternate Routes is no exception there. Oliver compared it to a cross between Moxy Fruvous and Bob Dylan. To me, there's a huge David Grey influence, with touches of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. All comparisons aside, though, it's a really solid album. I was hooked from my first listen.

     The album starts out on the mellow side, but even the first track, "Ordinary," can't stay down for long.  Towards the end of the song, the rhythm shows off their groove.  This is apparently just a warm up for the pounding drums which kick-start track number two, "Who Cares?"   The beat pulls you through this rocking number, as the lyrics are less of a focus.  Further proving their lack of formula, "Hollywood," takes us down a notch into an almost waltzy tune with vocal harmonies and a bluesy guitar line.  

     Each track of this album builds another layer, revealing one more level of what the Alternate Routes can do.  Lyrics which catch one's attention, such as "You could've been anybody on the road to me," from "Aftermath" pepper the album with both imagery and realism.  Yet, sometimes, the words fade to the background, giving way to a pounding beat or a alt-Americana groove, such as in "Going Home With You."

     When they're not busy rocking your socks off, they're instead filling your head with vocals so powerful, it's as if they're trying to escape from the confines of your music-player, as is the case with "The Black and The White."  Or perhaps, they're telling you a story. as with "California," or the imagery-laden "Time is a Runaway."  The latter is a favorite from this CD, leaving me with the desire to throw it in my car's CD player, open the windows and sunroof, and blare the song while driving through the summer sun.  

     If I haven't made it obvious yet, let me be clear:  Good and Reckless and True, the title of which comes from a lyric in "Ordinary," has something from almost every music-lover.  Pick it up, give it a listen, and I would bet you'll find at least a couple of tracks to enjoy.  Personally, I'm loving the whole thing.

     Overall: 8.5/10