Josh Rouse

The Happiness Waltz (Yep Roc)

Josh Rouse has roamed as far musically as he has geographically, reflected through his 1998 debut, Dressed Up Like Nebraska, 2005’s Nashville, and 2010’s El Turista after settling in Spain. His 10th LP hearkens more to the robust Seventies soft rock that he explored with 1972, and likewise reunites him with producer Brad Jones. Rouse slips into such sounds with ease, light and exuberant in the keyboard and guitar interplay of “It’s Good to Have You” and piano pop of “City People, City Things.” The album tips overly saccharine at nearly every turn, but the arrangements are tight and polished, with swelling, lush choruses and grooving AM-radio bridges, as on “Simple Pleasures” and “Start Up a Family,” all salved in Rouse’s suave croon. Only “Julie (Come Out of the Rain)” and “The Ocean” divert from the formula, refreshingly accented with slide guitar for emotional variation. (12mid, Continental Club)

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This article appears in March 15 • 2013.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.