Paul Carrack - I Know that Name (2008)

Surely, the very words I Know That Name have been uttered about Paul Carrack on more than one occasion, just as the words "I know that voice" have been said about this blue-eyed soul singer, who was the lead on hits for Ace, Squeeze, and Mike + the Mechanics. There's a friendly familiarity to the title of this, his twelfth proper studio effort, that carries over to the very sound of the album, a sound that's as soft and comfortable as a well-worn robe. The newest wrinkle for Carrack here is a slight emphasis on elastic reggae grooves, congregated toward the back stretch of the album, but other than that, I Know That Name glides by on a mellow, soulful groove that never gets too heated, nor does it ever get too cool. It's easy-rolling and even-handed, offering no surprises but plenty of comfort if you've ever been a fan of any of Carrack's work over the years.