Album Review

Mike Doughty – Sad Man Happy Man

• 21st Aug 2010

‘Sad Man Happy Man’ is the third studio album from Mike Doughty, an American singer-songwriter who has achieved success with his stripped back approach.

‘Sad Man Happy Man’ is no different. This album sees Doughty differing from previous records and returning to his acoustic roots. Based around a woman who has wronged him opening track ‘Nectarine(Part Two)’ is Doughty laying his soul bare,“Sweetness swept through all my senses.” The minimalistic approach to this song, of one man one guitar, allows an honestly to flow through and shows an artist that is comfortable creating dark and mature music.

Although void of effects and more than two instruments at a time (Doughty even tracked the drums and played keyboards himself) the album doesn’t suffer or become tiresome in any way, instead it is the lyrics that become the art and the focus. With songs ranging from relationship bust-ups to the American economy the emphasis is on what Doughty has to say and the story he is telling.

With the album reaching just over 30 minutes in total ‘Sad Man Happy Man’ is simple yet effective, with a no messing ethos Mike Doughty has created impact with nothing more than his thoughts and a guitar.