Singer/songwriter Jamie Cullum balances a career between Billy Joel-styled moods and jazz-inflected R&B on this album filled with soulful moods. His composing skills here are exemplary, reflecting a man happily married and willing to open his heart about important issues. Some of the pieces most rewarding is when he’s most intimate with the piano as on the sensitive and tender “Endings Are Beginnings” as well as “You Can’t Hide Away Your Love” which has his rich voice teamed with Old World strings, as well as on the thoughtful “Life Is Grey.” Some Joel-inspired reflections, with Cullum stating that “truth is something you earn” builds up to a rich climax on “Drink” while the answer to Randy Newman’s “Short People” is produced on the chain ganged title track. A gospel inflected “For The Love” with choir and Sunday Morning “Monster” reflects a man that has heard some Good News in his life, making album not only an impressive collection in its own right, but a nice base for others to take as foundations for jazz artists. Any takers?