Robert Kelly should be the next member of the Nashville music collective, Ten out of Tenn. If that doesn't happen, the guy needs to get his mits on a publishing deal, because every song on his brand new, debut album, "We Are Poetry," reminds me of something I've heard on MTV. The album was produced by Thomas Doeve--the same producer of Andrew Belle's album, "The Ladder,"--and his lush arrangements can certainly be heard on Kelly's material as well. There is a delightful balance in the heaviness of the wash of sound that is present on most of the tracks, while the lilting bells, acoustic guitar, and background vocals complement the rest of the instrumentation well. Just from a listening standpoint, this album is gorgeous.

Kelly's positive approach, genuine lyrics, and upbeat energy make each song uplifting in a way that few can achieve without coming across as insincere, cliche, or--well, just plain annoying. Hearing "We Are Poetry" for the first time made it pretty difficult to not become somewhat envious of Robert Kelly's outlook on life. You know, kind of like listening to a Jack Johnson album with a breeze blowin' through your hair and a cold beer in your hands. Ah.... paradise. (That, and the acoustic-guitar driven-ness of Kelly's music--those are the only comparisons that should be drawn between he and Jack Johnson). It's also especially refreshing to hear an album where the subject matter is more about lettin' the good times roll than just focusing on heartbreak or unrequited love. With 10 tracks of equal quality and depth, it's safe to say that this is a genuinely well-thought-out, well-produced, all-around well-done album.

To see these songs performed live, be sure to go to The Basement on March 25th at 7 pm for Robert Kelly's CD Release Party. Also performing will be My Second Other. Cover is $8, which includes a cd, and it is a 21+ show. No funny business.--Erin Manning