11
Like a veteran matinee idol, Bryan Adams projects the sort of romantic masculinity that’s appealing even if the roles are familiar. The Canadian singer/songwriter perfected his mix of heartland rock and romantic pop in the ‘80s and has rarely strayed far from this formula. On 2008\'s *11*, he tackles his new tunes with spirit and a discernable twinkle in his eye, and his rough yet mellowed voice fits comfortably with the album’s themes of love, loss and nostalgia. “Tonight We Have the Stars” (co-written with longtime collaborator Jim Vallance), “Mysterious Ways” and “She’d Got a Way” rekindle some of the heat found on Adams’ past hits. “I Ain’t Losin’ the Fight” and “Flower Grown Wild” have a loose-limbed, rootsy charm, while “Oxygen” and “I Thought I’d Seen Everything” shine with modern rock polish. Adams is at his best when he drops down to a near-whisper, as on the quietly passionate “Walk on By.” Recorded at various venues and hotel rooms, *11* benefits from some sharp instrumental touches, particularly Colin Cripps’ murmuring slide guitar and Maire Breatnach’s keening fiddle.