Everwood Soundtrack CD

This soundtrack album for the WB drama Everwood features a clutch of contemporary singer/songwriters and adult alternative artists covering classic material from the 1970s. Jars of Clay kicks things off with a pleasant, slightly modernized read of America's "Lonely People," while Griffin House is an absolutely uncanny vocal stand-in for Jackson Browne on Browne's "These Days." The work of Cat Stevens appears throughout Everwood, as interpreted by Kristin Hersh ("Trouble"), Sixpence None the Richer vocalist Leigh Nash ("Father and Son"), and Travis ("Don't Be Shy"); the latter is notable for how much it suggests both Stevens and Badly Drawn Boy. Jason Mraz incorporates his soulful, scatting singing style into the memorable melodic hook of the Seals & Crofts AM radio gem "Summer Breeze," Guster's take on Jimmy Cliff's "Harder They Come" is rhythmic and understated, and Toby Lightman channels Carole King for her read of Jim Croce's "Operator [That's Not the Way It Feels]." Everwood fans will note the inclusion of the show's theme music, as well its star Treat Williams' amiable, acoustic take on the Loggins & Messina classic "Love Song." ~ Johnny Loftus

Jars Of Clay/Kristin Hersh/ David Mead/Stereophonics/Travi