Are You Serious is the Illinois singer-songwriter’s tenth album. Less of a folk collection than previous outings, on this 11-tracker, though he’s as thoughtful as ever, Bird is at his most carefree. Soulful opener and lead single ‘Capsized’ has drawn comparisons to one Mr. Bill Withers, though it’s not indicative of what’s to follow.

Rather, Are You Serious veers effortlessly from the country-tinged pop of ‘Truth Lies Low’ and ‘Left Hand Kisses’ to the summery, feelgood ‘Puma’ and ‘The New St. Jude’. On pop-rock anthem ‘Valleys Of The Young’, meanwhile, Bird – who recently became a father – reflects on this new phase of his life, while sadly kissing his single lifestyle goodbye: “The problems that seem like luxuries/ They’re off getting stoned and hugging trees.” Despite these moments of introspection, Are You Serious is a pleasant, easy listen, and well worth checking out.

6/10
Key Track- 'Truth Lies Low'