New Orleans’ singer/songwriter/guitarist Lenny McDaniel seems to have found a happy medium. On his third effort Tired Angels, McDaniel strikes a balance between the lighthearted and memorable rock and soul of his debut Bad For Me, and the brooding and apocalyptic imagery that infused his second release Worth the Price. The multi-talented McDaniel also contributes piano and organ colorings, and is ably supported through the bulk of his new CD by bassist Doug Therrien and drummer Allyn Robinson, known for their work as Tab Benoit’s rhythm section.

McDaniel has a gift for writing memorable hooks, and many of Tired Angels‘ songs could easily find a place on Top 40 or “Adult Alternative” radio stations. The opening cut “Different Worlds” sounds like Jackson Browne’s recent work, while “Every Single Night” and “Circle Goes Round” suggest a soulful Foreigner, with McDaniel’s edgy and assured vocals in place of Lou Gramm’s bombastic belting. “GLP Blues” and “Power Covers Up” revisit the darker themes of Worth The Price, addressing greed, lust and power in full-throttle rockers.

The influence of New Orleans seeps through the strolling piano lead of the catchy “Lord Knows I Try,” and the gospel arrangement of the title track. “Tired Angels”-recentiy covered by Marva Wright and blues-rocker Debbie Davies-encapsulates the overall feeling of the album, a  reconciliation of difficult times with an optimistic eye towards the future. Hats off to McDaniel for another solid and mature effort, one clearly deserving of wider recognition.