Yeah, I know a lot of Ryan Adams fans feel that way, so I’m aware it’s probably just me. JCN just sounds too straight and too MOR to me - none of the songs really move me in any way. I always think it’s the Ryan Adams album most likely to have won him a Grammy…
I tend to prefer his music when he’s experimenting a bit more and writing his lyrics a little less direct. For me, Cold Roses is the strongest collection of songs he’s ever done and the arrangements/playing by the Cardinals are perfect and 29 builds on the style of his Love Is Hell records with loads of great touches and ideas throughout.