Newcomer Daniel Powter has put himself on firm footing with his self-titled debut album.
The 10-track CD of catchy songs is a showcase for the Canadian singer-songwriter's talent.
Powter - who is dyslexic and was bullied as a child because he didn't play ice hockey - shows hints of disgruntlement and sarcasm in some songs through his falsetto style of singing.
The songs have bouncy melodies with dark lyrics threaded through them.
Produced by Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Crowded House) and Powter's long-term collaborator Jeff Dawson, the tracks are enjoyably diverse.
Jimmy Gets High, hit single Bad Day and opener Song 6 are catchy ballads. Suspect is an uplifting pop track while Hollywood is a funky, soulful jazz tune. A touch of R&B resonates in Give Me Life.