On his latest solo release, Darrell Scott delivers 12 reasons why he’s one of the most outstanding and underrated songwriters/performers in the U.S. today.

Compared with his past efforts, The Invisible Man has a more rock edge, with fuller orchestration and multiple layers of textured sound. Given the nature of the tunes, these more assertive arrangements work beautifully. Like a well-structured play or novel, it begins with the pensive “Hank Williams’ Ghost” before slowly gearing up to a crescendo on “Do it Or Die Trying” and then on to the ironic anthem, “Goodle, USA.” All but one song, “Shattered Cross,” by the late Stuart Adamson, are originals, and even that one fits in so well that without credits, you’d never know it wasn’t his. Like the great concept albums of the 1970s and ’80s, The Invisible Man has an epic quality and pervasive feel that unites its songs. By the time you get to the final track, “My Final Hour,” you’ve taken a musical journey that touches all your emotions.

The Invisible Man is one of the best albums to come down the pike in a long time… am I being too subtle with my praise?

This article originally appeared in VG‘s Sep. ’06 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.