The high times and hard knocks of life in Detroit are central to singer/songwriter Ty Stone’s debut, American Style. Its engaging fusion of Southern rock, modern country, and vintage soul owes something to the influence of fellow Michigan native Kid Rock, the album’s executive producer. But Bob Seger is an even more relevant reference point here—in fact, Stone includes a song named in honor of the Motor City music legend. There’s plenty of working-class heroism in these tracks, along with an old-fashioned love of family and friends. Stone’s voice is an outstanding instrument combining grit and finesse, capable of delivering smoldering R&B (“Smile”), raucous hard rock (“Line of Blood”), and bluesy gospel ("Faith in Love”). Tracks like “Anywhere Better” invite comparisons with Rod Stewart during his Faces days. As good as Stone's singing is, his tunes are even better—“Down River” and the title track capture authentic blue-collar populism, while “American Dream” mixes romantic come-on with patriotic spirit. American Style’s most affecting moment is the tenderly nostalgic ballad “Blessed St. Anthony.”