From the first drumbeat of "Amazing" to the final lull of "Pokerface," Josh Kelley's debut album, "For the Ride Home," keeps the listener interested in hearing more. As a breakout in the ever growing singer-songwriter genre, Kelley uses his smoldering vocal tone and catchy lyrics to draw his fans in. Released from Hollywood Records and produced by John Alagia, "For the Ride Home" gives exactly what it promises; a compilation of tunes that will take you home.

Kelley's opening track and first single "Amazing," starts the album with a freshness and energy that immediately grabs the listener's attention. Drummer Matt Johnson keeps the tempo upbeat and fun, while Kelley's lyrical flirtations inevitably pull on the heartstrings of female listeners everywhere. The song is clearly a hit waiting to happen as it is already seeing much airplay in major cities across the nation. Other standout tracks on the album include "Follow You" which is driven throughout by Ben Peeler and Michael Andrews on banjo, and the comforting "Amen." "Old Time Memory" features Dave Yaden on a lyrical keyboard part that adds immensely to the reflective dynamic of the song.

The track "Angeles" seems almost out of place in this mix of songs. It is repetitive, and the beat and rhythm are predictable throughout. Although it may be a catchy hook for some, it seems redundant after hearing it more than once.

The only track not produced by Alagia is "Faces," a song that was produced, engineered, and mixed by Kelley himself. The guitar in this song is simple and sweet, and the lyrics show a romantic, more sensuous, side to Kelley's music. In the chorus, he sings "Dream your fears away/ And I'll be here all day/ Dry your eyes/ 'Cause I'm here to spend/ This moment in your arms again."

"For The Ride Home" is a standout disc that will only get more popular with time. Kelley has constructed an album that is emotional and honest, yet fun and upbeat. It is full of radio friendly tracks that make it easy to forget which song motivated you to purchase the album in the first place. For such a solid debut album, one can only anticipate what Kelley will release in the future.