Twilight
Shawn Groves
Rocketown Records

Following up the great success of "Invitation to Eavesdrop," Groves' 2001 debut would be no easy task for the average singer-songwriter. Groves has seen seven of ten songs released to radio, and these releases were book-ended by two No. 1 singles with both "Welcome Home" and "Should I Tell Them." Lucky for us Groves isn't your average singer-songwriter and he has stood strong under the pressures of such a successful release.

Thus bringing us to his sophomore release "Twilight." In between No. 1 hits and relentless promotion, Groves has made the time to craft another astonishing collection of singer-songwriter gems. "Twilight" is introspective rock that is radio friendly but not cliche . Many of the new songs are derived from the struggles of his new life. Torn between serving God and himself (Twilight), torn between family and the road (Without You), and the honest love for friends and family (I Love You).

The recording process was different this time around, as a more basic approach was taken. Technical enhancements were left out - computer and drum loop free - and the tracks are equally balanced between piano-ballads and acoustic guitar rock. Giving "Twilight" an overall feeling of mildness even with the guitar driven songs like "See You."

Groves surpasses all expectations with "Twilight."

- Ken W.