It seems impossible that it's been seven years since Chris Isaak's last set of all-new songs. But "Mr. Lucky" makes up for lost time with 14 gems that showcase his sharp vocal stylings, particular brand of countrified pop music and (given his sex appeal) an equally impossible-to-believe preponderance of romantic heartbreak. But the Isaak who sings about the woman who done him wrong in "Cheater's Town" sounds as pained and remorseful as the guy who sings about the woman he done wrong in "We Let Her Down." Produced by Eric Rosse and John Shanks, these tracks are rich in sonic detail and lyrical nuance, riding through the classic C&W lope of "We've Got Tomorrow," the rockabilly stomp of "Mr. Lonely Man," the soaring country rock of "Best I Ever Had," the western swing of "Take My Heart" and the bluesy swagger of "Big Wide Wonderful World." —Gary Graff