Insides Out is the debut full-length album from Jordan Zevon, son of the late Warren Zevon. Interestingly, rather than closely following his father's darker, sardonic rock style, Jordan takes a much more melodic route, drawing on the Beatles, Elvis Costello, XTC and classic power pop.

The sound is bright and polished, built around crisp guitars, buoyant keyboards, tight rhythms and carefully constructed melodies. There's a distinctly late-1990s/early-2000s pop sensibility here, with clever lyrics and a generally upbeat feel.

Highlights

- The Joke's on Me – A punchy opening number that establishes the album's sharp, catchy pop-rock style.

- Home – A lovely piano-led ballad with flowing melodies and rich harmonies.

- Camila Rhodes – An energetic, playful power-pop song with a strong melodic hook.

- American Standard – Witty and slightly cynical, with a cheerful tune that contrasts nicely with its lyrical attitude.

- Studebaker – Jordan's version of a Warren Zevon composition. Featuring musicians including guitarist Waddy Wachtel and steel guitarist David Lindley, it provides a meaningful link to his father's musical world.

Overall assessment

The album's strength is its songwriting. The songs are concise, melodic and arranged with care, without relying on heavy production or instrumental excess. Jordan demonstrates a genuine feel for classic pop craftsmanship, and the influences are worn openly but not without personality.

The main drawback is that some of the material can feel a little lightweight, particularly if you're expecting Warren Zevon's darker wit and lyrical bite. This is a sunnier, more conventional record.

My rating: 8/10. A very pleasant discovery for fans of intelligent power pop, Beatles-influenced songwriting and melodic guitar music. Jordan establishes his own musical identity rather than simply trading on his father's name.