Freedy Johnston’s third full-length didn’t quite achieve Can You Fly‘s level of transcendence, but it’s an outstanding album. There’s plenty of heavyweight subject matter here, with songs that address issues like child sexual abuse and familial estrangement. But Johnston’s writing and singing give the songs a lift even when their topics are grim: there’s an essential gentleness to his delivery on tracks like “Evie’s Tears” and “Bad Reputation,” and a deep sense of humanity throughout.