Dr. House sings the blues on his new album

I think it is safe to say that everyone and their mother has heard of the hit show, House, with its leading role played by the undeniably damaged but equally hysterical Hugh Laurie. But Dr. Gregory House now has a not-so-hidden talent that exists outside of the doctor's office.

For all of you who turn on your TV solely to watch the slightly maniacal Dr. House, you are missing out on something pretty extraordinary. Because, as tall a glass of water he is to look at, it's his voice that you are sadly overlooking. Inspired by jazz and the blues ever since he was young, Laurie will be releasing an album that pays homage to the legendary musicians he's looked up to in his past.

Let Them Talk will be released on September 17 for us American folk. For those of you in the U.K., you've had the honors of receiving it a whole four months before us. Lucky, lucky!

As I listen to Laurie's music, I am unsure of where to start. Laurie's vocals already feel classic somehow -- like this album has been played on the record player decades ago. And yet, it's so filled with life and originality that this can't possibly be so. Laurie's New Orleans, bluesy drawl is unexpected. And invigorating. And every word you can think of that describes the word delightful.

In Let Them Talk, each song is pleasant in its own way. But the greatest part of this album is that it stays true to its roots. You can hear the sentiment in his voice, and man, it's raw. There are no fancy techniques, just a voice and the aid of instrumentals (a piano and guitar accompany most songs). And, since the birth of synthesizing and auto-tuning, vocals that sound clean and pure do not come around too often.

We paged Dr. House to fix that problem.

The album starts with the always memorable "St. James Infirmary," where Laurie's talent on the piano shines until just shy of the 4-minute mark. Do yourself a favor and welcome that lengthy intro with closed eyes. Laurie's rendition of the song is gritty, reminiscent of Louis Armstrong -- a bold comparison to be stated.

"The Whale Has Swallowed Me" will become an instant favorite to many, and with good reason. Without the accompaniment of a piano, an acoustic guitar has replaced it instead, giving low and sad riffs to its down-on-his-luck narrator. It's a melancholy ballad, with doom-and-gloom lyrics. But oddly (in ways much like his TV character), the narrator remains resilient, vowing to trudge forth.

"Tipitana" is refreshing and bold, something that you can tap your fingers on your lap to. It is one of the few tracks that lacks the element of sadness, but still keeps its willful character that the other tracks have earned through their laments.

"Police Dog Blues," "Swanee River," and "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" are also notable tracks on Let Them Talk, and be sure not to overlook them.

Hugh Laurie makes jazz cool again (though, personally, I felt as though it hasn't been anything but), and Let Them Talk proves this to be true. Talented down to his core, Laurie pours his soul into these tracks, and the outcome is uncompromising brilliance.

I feel as though I can speak on behalf of all his fans and say that your vitals check out juuuuust fine, Hugh Laurie.