If Michael Stipe ever bore James Taylor's offspring -- and considering the former's sexual orientation it's not entirely far-fetched -- he might sound a lot like Josh Joplin.

If only that were enough.

Sure, Joplin is a former songwriter for Jive Records -- his bio says “fancy guys with big names” benefited from his “hits” -- but I couldn't help but worry that his latest effort would come off sounding like a white R. Kelly performing at a frat-row coffeehouse. But, fortunately -- or unfortunately as the case may be, depending on your inclination -- Jaywalker, Joplin's debut solo album from Eleven Thirty Records, is skewed more towards the Five for Fighting faithful.

And that's about as candied as I can coat it. On Jaywalker, Josh Joplin never really takes a chance on songs like "Arms to Hold Me," "Pilgrim's Progress" and "Stay," leaving his listeners stupefied by an overdose of the release's flowery folk-rock. While his commercial shelf life may be secured by the aforementioned "hits" Joplin has written, his solo work lacks the strain of originality that promises longevity.

For all his shortcomings, Joplin is at the very least polished in verse and melody. And that seems to be enough in today's watered-down musical environment. “I look both ways before I cross my fingers and pray,” he confesses on “Jaywalkers of the World,” hoping that the power of positivity will be enough to carry the tune. Indeed, so much of Jaywalker reflects that modesty, even as its goal -- a steady paycheck brought on by a hoped-for metamorphosis into the next adult-contemporary poster boy -- seems to hope for something different.

But, at least for me, his music comes off too contrived and bland to remain tasteful. Not that he's a sellout in the conventional sense. After all, Jaywalker isn't a serious departure from his earlier work with the Josh Joplin Group. But his solo effort should still be catalogued under Josh Joplin Lite.

Inasmuch as he is a dead ringer for the aforementioned Stipe and rides the middle road to attract as big an audience as possible, Joplin might remain consistently popular. But music with balls this ain't. If that's what turns you on, and no one's saying that it should, look elsewhere. Jaywalker will leave you itching for something with more bite. -- Ryan Gray

LOAD & STREAM

SLEATER-KINNEY
"Jumpers"
From: The Woods
MP3
See Also:
One Beat

MINUS THE BEAR:
"The Game Needed Me"
From: Menos El Orso
MP3

KINKSI:
"Wives of Artie Shaw"
From: Alpine Static
MP3

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE:
"Soul Meets Body"
From: Plans
WMA : REAL
See Also: Transatlanticism

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB:
"Ain't No Easy Way"
From: Howl
MP3 REAL QT WM
See Also:
Black Rebel Motorycle Club