These Days (The Virginia Sessions)

These Days by Pat McGee is a smartly assembled, radio-friendly pop record that plays to pop sensibilities without ever overdoing it or becoming too clich?d.

The highlight by far is "Elizabeth," a deceptively simple and beautiful love song that still manages to rock. "Come Back Home" is so evocative of the poetics of Matchbox Twenty front man Rob Thomas that it's hard to distinguish whether it is he or McGee delivering the vocals. "All Over You" showcases some nice harmonies, while "End Of October" contains vivid imagery that is strikingly reminiscent of the work of Jackson Browne.

Each song on "These Days" is noteworthy and appealing. There's little doubt that there will be a place for Pat McGee on the Billboard charts for many years to come.