Will Hoge's Draw The Curtains was cited by many as one of the greatest albums of the year in 2007. That disc was born out of authentic emotional heartbreak detailed on the 11-track release from the Nashville-based performer. The 2009 follow-up The Wreckage was aptly titled as Hoge lost time on the road and in the studio as he recovered from a late '08 traffic accident that nearly cost him his life.

Hoge has often been compared to other contemporary artists as a matter of reference. He is a performer that at once can embody the ethos of Springsteen while often sounding a bit like Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes. On this album you can imagine Hoge was getting pumped up during the down time to deliver a kick-ass rock and roll album by listening to a lot of 90's era Heartbreakers. But that's not a bad thing as this 11-track disc is a heartfelt affair. On several tracks musical and melodic nods to the work of Tom Petty crash through the work of Hoge and his talented 5-piece.

The punchy opener "Hard To Love" is an anthemic confession of the heart. Title track is as personal and brooding as it gets with subtle musical underplay and melody. "Favorite Waste Of Time" is urgent and elevated with some timely twelve-string guitar. "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" employs a musical passage reminiscent of Petty's "Learning To Fly". The song opens with some acoustic strumming and builds to a succinct lead guitar while flying on big production and vocal harmonies. This track could be Hoge's most radio-friendly number to date. Despite the musical comparisons to other artists it's clear that by the time The Wreckage is complete Hoge has had a challenging time. But, he crawls, cries and emerges from his ordeal as a performer with his own individual and commanding identity intact and moving on in his journey.

Hoge has taken his musical vehicle around the world for the past 10 years with a trunk-full of "metaphorical fender benders" acquired along the way. But, on the The Wreckage we find Hoge polished up like a new model ready to move on down the road to his rock and roll destiny - and as they say, it's true - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

• Info: -- USA/TN 2009: www.willhoge.com (Richard J. Lynch/SoundPress.net)