Chris Isaak is Mr. Lucky

We've missed his retro-chic look. It's been a while since we've heard that falsetto voice. But after a seven-year break from the studio, Chris Isaak is back with a brand new album release, Mr. Lucky.

So, what's Isaak been doing for the past seven years? Well...he's been Mr. Lucky. He starred in a television show that was a fictionalized version of his life as a rock and roll star — pretty lucky, huh? He's been a regular correspondent for Jay Leno on The Tonight Show — not bad luck. He's been listed by VH1 as one of music's sexiest artists and is a cult figure in Australia. Chris Isaak is a lucky guy.

Isaak's appeal (aside from his movie star looks) has been the timelessness of his music. He has always seemed, at the same time, an innovator and a throwback to a time when words and music were a bit more simple. His music worked equally well in the soundtracks of 1950's period piece "Blue Velvet" and the modern freaky deaky "Eyes Wide Shut."

Isaak is sometimes a crooner, other times a balladeer and always a showman. I remember seeing him at the final performance of his 2000 tour. Playing at the Ryman in Nashville, Isaak paid homage to the country music giants who played the auditorium before him and made his music possible. Then he strolled through the audience while playing his guitar and hand-picked young ladies to dance on stage with him. The rest of us guys didn't stand a chance.

Mr. Lucky is, in many ways, a continuation of the heart-breakingly beautiful ballads and rockabilly style of previous albums Heart Shaped World (1989) and Forever Blue (1995). However, Mr. Lucky includes a twist — guest appearances. Isaak's voice is so strong that you wouldn't think another vocalist could add much...until you hear Trisha Yearwood on Breaking Apart. You wouldn't think that anyone could actually harmonize with Isaak's outrageous voice...until you hear Michelle Branch on I Lose My Heart.

Those two songs have something in common with Isaak's biggest hits, including Wicked Game and Somebody's Crying. They are all about Isaak being the victim of heartbreak.

Excuse me, but please, please give me a break. Chris Isaak, with one of the strongest voices in popular music, virtuoso guitar talent and apparently Hollywood looks is NOT getting his heart broken. In fact, I suspect that his latest album title is a bit of a confession. Chris Isaak is…Mr. Lucky.

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