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Mission Bell, is likely Amos Lee’s most mature, albeit quasi-dark, album to date. Recorded in Calexico’s Arizona-based studio, the production value is high, but the album lacks a genre stamp…you’ll find gospel, folk, soul, rock, and a little indie smattered in. Certainly, the music is more complex, less ‘singer-songwriter’ than previous releases, but the maturity of the sound does not mask the poignancy of Amos’ lyrics; this album reflects the life of a 30-something man, who is now too old to ignore life’s hardships, but at an age where one is forced to deal with tragedy, cope with heartbreak, and come to grips with life’s many adversities. Spirituality is pondered in the lyrics from the dark gospel “Jesus,” the catchy-tuned “Cup of Sorrow,” and the question-riddled track “Violin,” whereas the enigmatic nature of relationships is relived and explored in “Learned a Lot” and “Flower.” Written about a dying friend, “Stay With Me” could be interpreted differently, although a theme of loneliness as it relates to love cannot be ignored. “El Camino” is the standout, though, a beautifully prosed ballad describing a man who has come to a crossroads in life, forced to make a decision that he’s not ready to make, but nonetheless, must do exactly that. The inclusion of tracks with Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams (“Clear Blue Eyes”) and country music legend Willie Nelson (“El Camino Reprise”) are interesting, but not the focus of this effort; they instead complement an evolved album where Amos is accompanied by new sounds, instrumentals, and vocal backups.

Track List:

1. El Camino

2. Windows Are Rolled Down

3. Violin

4. Flower

5. Stay With Me

6. Out of the Cold

7. Jesus

8. Hello Again

9. Learned a Lot

10. Cup of Sorrow

11. Clear Blue Eyes (feat. Lucinda Williams)

12. Behind Me Now

13. El Camino (Reprise) [feat. Willie Nelson]