Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This is the first completely new album from Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mat Kearney since his 2004 release 'Bullet' and has been an eagerly awaited one. In the meantime, Kearney has been making quite an impression on the mainstream market by supporting Keane, Sheryl Crow and others whilst his songs have appeared on top shows such as Bones and Grey's Anatomy. The vocal similarity to Coldplay's Chris Martin is uncanny and in truth Kearney seems to sometimes mimic the introspective lyricism and melancholic delivery of the aforementioned band with songs like "Closer To Love" and "New York To California". As with previous releases, there is no direct reference to Jesus but Kearney does hint at his faith in "Fire And Rain" (not to be confused with the James Taylor classic) and "Lifeline". 'City Of Black And White' is nonetheless an impressive album from an accomplished artist which, if it gets the Grey's Anatomy-type plugs his record company are looking for, could be a mainstream success.

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