Chicago-based songwriter Kevin Lee is back on the streets again with a new CD release Loaded, (Big Blast) which delivers a generous helping of his brand of smart, tuneful pop/rock to his faithful fan base. Longtime followers of Lee’s will find more here of what drew them to him in the first place: tough, well-played hooky rock songs sung in Lee’s clear, strong tenor voice. Lee’s voice fits his subject matter (love, life, and what happens when the two collide) like a summer night fits a drive-in movie. The sound recalls the best moments of Cheap Trick, although with a less-pronounced Beatle influence. Lee has always been capable of turning a phrase and crafting a hook, but Loaded sees him taking it a step further to create a sound that is at once classic and current.

One of the most noticeable changes from Lee’s last release, Walk A Mile In My Shoes, (Bubblehaus) is the production. The new record was produced by Chris Bauer and Rick Barnes of Rax Trax studios and their influence in helping to shape Lee’s songwriting output has resulted in a much more listenable effort than last time. The arrangements have a tight, sculpted quality to them that propel Lee’s narratives along in fine style. This is evident from the first cut, "Where Do We Go From Here," which features some nifty Pro-Tool-ery that really adds to the vibe of the song. Other standout tunes are "Find A Way" and the emotive ballad "Right Here With Me." The latter has a cinematic, end-credits sort of feel that would be a natural in a film.