Demolition

By Josh Tyrangiel

At 27, Adams is America's most frustrating songwriter. He's a major talent, as he shows here with a trio of songs about heartache--Starting to Hurt, Hallelujah and Nuclear--that groove and grieve with natural ease. Adams is also known for affecting a world-weariness beyond his years, and Demolition has plenty of posing. Cry on Demand and She Wants to Play Hearts feel empty next to the good stuff, like a clever boy's writing exercises rather than actual feelings. Take the bad with the good and pray Adams gets over himself. --By Josh Tyrangiel