I’m going to be honest here.  For a guy who wrote so many songs that I absolutely love with The Band, I have never really connected with any of Robbie Robertson’s solo work. When news came that he had recorded a new album, his first since 1998 – my interest was peaked nonetheless. After hearing the wonderful first single from the disc, “When the Night Was Young,” I was ready to get onboard.

The new album stays away from the Native American themes that dominated previous efforts, and the end result is a more classic sounding collection of personal and rich tunes. On How To Become Clairvoyant, Robbie worked closely with Eric Clapton to write and map out the songs for the new album. When it became time to record, Robbie and Eric enlisted the likes Steve Winwood, Taylor Goldsmith (from Dawes), Tom Morello, Robert Randolph, Trent Reznor and Angela McClusky to round out the sessions. The guest musicians fit in well with the material on the disc, and manage enough cohesion to not sound like a mix tape or a tribute album. While I always preferred to hear Levon, Richard or Rick singing Robbie’s songs – the man has always been able to pen a tune. The new album might not hit the high water mark of albums past, but it is a good listen and a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

NPR is streaming How to Become Clairvoyant in int’s entirety for free in the week leading up to it’s release.  Click on this link to head over and check it out.