Joshua Radin’s ability to make simplicity beautiful is what carried his debut album We Were Here to great heights. The way he can wear his heart on his sleeve and make it seen perfectly ok is what hooked his legion of fans. Well maybe that and Zach Braff’s numerous uses of Radin songs in Scrubs and films.

With a fitting name, the Ohio-born, Los Angeles-based musician’s new album Simple Times, takes a step in a new direction while staying lodged in his ’simplistic’ roots. The first thing that stands out with Radin’s new disc is his improvement on the six-string. His guitar parts are still relatively simple, but show off new technique that his previous work did not feature.

The sound of full instrumentation is a welcome one. It shows that he can lay back and not have to carry a song with his whispery vocals. His first album was written mainly for a lost love, which comes across strongly. Simple Times seems to have been written in a better time for Radin as a stream of positivity runs through its entirety.

One of the biggest improvements on this album come in Radin’s newfound sing-song style. Songs like Vegetable Car and I’d Rather Be With You are repeat worthy. His radio-friendly Sky (featuring Meiko) is a highlight of the album. His vocal style allows him to blend with female voices better than any American singer in a long time. From start to finish Simple Times hits a home run. Or singles in a run…if you want to describe it a little less flashy, which fits Radin much better. Anyone who buys out his major record label contract and sings at Ellen’s wedding is a winner in my book.

UPDATE: The single Sky originally featured Ingrid Michaelson on the EP he released last Winter, but the full-length album features Meiko.

The album is #3 on the iTunes charts right now! Congrats Josh!

Buy Josh Radin’s new album on iTunes HERE

• MP3: Joshua Radin – Sky (Featuring Meiko)