Better Days

by Vincent JeffriesSincere, subdued, and seriously lackluster, Shawn Mullins' 1992 self-release, Better Days, is a promising effort dampened by unremarkable material. Mullins performs with confidence and emotion, but without a single memorable melody, the singer/songwriter can only struggle with his own creations. None of Better Days' 12 tracks generate any kind of lyrical spark, as the same old lovelorn, world-weary images and testimonies to artistic temperament clog up the passageways out of tavern-singer obscurity. Fans of Mullins' fine late-'90s work might enjoy "Just Like Me" and "Locked in My Room," two numbers that barely rise above the other ten slices of soft rock/folk mediocrity. The only legitimate bright spot is Mullins' strong vocals, which ring with purpose and clarity despite some rather flat production. To the Atlanta artist's credit, his vocals shine enough to make Better Days a credible outing, but one that only the most devoted fans will be able to appreciate.