Folkie singer/songwriter
Brett Dennen's self-titled debut has the easygoing lope and world music influences of
Jack Johnson or
Dave Matthews, and his voice is oddly similar to that of
Tracy Chapman, with the same slightly nasal quality and occasionally bluesy inflections. Though
Brett Dennen is an agreeable listen, perfect for any anti-chain coffeehouse or independent bookstore, its lack of genuinely catchy tunes or thought-provoking lyrics means it tends to slip quickly from memory. The main exception is the thoughtful ballad "All We Have," which features
Dennen's most affecting vocal. Too much of the rest is simply pleasant. ~ Stewart Mason