English-born and now New York-based singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, Adam Masterson’s sophomore album, Time Bomb, is as straight-forward as modern rock and roll gets. No backing tracks. No effects. No smoke and mirrors.

Adam himself will tell you that his greatest blessing is that he doesn’t fit the mold. He’s an outlier. When you hear his voice, you’re immediately tempted to make comparisons. Chris Robinson? Bryan Adams? Maybe even a little Peter Gabriel? 

Not exactly. He’s unique and original. The voice of an old soul with a touch of falsetto and a dash of southern gospel for good measure.

The title track and first cut on the album features Adam’s distinct vocal range and depth of songwriting talent. A perfect example of what’s to come as you continue this emotional musical journey with him.

The David Bowie inspired, “Bring Back the Freaks” will leave you questioning whether this is a modern, new-aged song appropriately released in 2023, or a soulful classic from 1960-something.

“Wild Wolves” is ready-made to score a Ford F-150 commercial. It’s easy to envision Adam and his girl driving through forest landscape on the way to the beach. A Hammond organ and some dazzling piano work make this one a toe-tapper for sure.

The almost lullaby-like “Crazy Rain” and the folksy “Rusty Cans and Dusty Alleys” are polar opposites in every way and great examples of the diversity of this hard-to-categorize album.

Give this one a listen if you’re open to a different, yet familiar musical ride. Adam Masterson’s skill and creativity as a songwriter and vocalist shine brightly as he forges his own path. 

Maybe we should resist the temptation to ask who exactly he sounds like and simply appreciate him as the innovator and unique talent that he is. 

Take a chance on Time Bomb when it drops on February 17.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski

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