So exactly where has Freedy Johnston been? On the strength of his critically acclaimed '92 album Can You Fly and '94 major label debut This Perfect World (featuring the radio hit "Bad Reputation"), the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter was named Rolling Stone's "Songwriter of the Year" in 1994...and for good reason. Raved the mag: "Freedy has joined the elite cadre of songwriters — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello — whose brilliant pop compositions turn magical with the addition of a defiantly, idiosyncratic singing voice." Johnston went on to record a string of excellent albums throughout the 90's but outside of an album of covers in 2007 it's been eight long years since his last album of new, studio recordings.

Fortunately for us, the dry spell is over January 12 with Rain On The City (Bar None), a fine new album recorded this past year in Nashville with producer and multi-instrumentalist Richard McLaurin. “It takes a while to re-adjust one’s priorities and get back on track after working with the big budget that the majors give you,” says Johnston. “I went through issues with the IRS, had a relationship go south and a touring vehicle grind to a halt but through it all I never gave up writing and gigging whenever possible.” With new songs such as the instant Nick Lowe-meets-Buddy Holly classic "The Other Side of Life" and rollicking "Don't Fall In Love With A Lonely Girl", Rain heralds the return - and welcome return to form - of one of our best tunesmiths.

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Freedy Johnston - "The Other Side of Life" (from the album Rain On The City)

Freedy Johnston - "Don't Fall In Love With a Lonely Girl" (from the album Rain On The City)