Bounce Back is Creed Bratton’s third solo album, and the former singer/ composer/ guitarist for the Grass Roots has come up with a winner.

Bratton’s music has a Southwestern/semi-country flavor that brings to mind Michael Nesmith’s solo work. The understated, out-of-left-field humor of Bratton’s character on TV’s “The Office” is part of the makeup, though he is no Weird Al Yankovic and this isn’t parody; it’s first-rate pop laced with brainy wit. Bratton, tongue occasionally in cheek, means it.

Bounce Back has substance (“Matters Like This”) and musical cool (“Love Me Like You Dance”), and Bratton has an unforced, unaffected delivery.

This article originally appeared in VG’s Jul. ’10 issue.  All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine.  Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.