J.R. Richards is a name many my not be familiar with but he’s been the singer with alt-rockers DISHWALLA for the past fifteen years. In that that time he has had some success with a hit single (“Counting Blue Cars”) and his band has released an album, which has made its mark with me as one of the best albums a lot of people have never heard (“Opaline”).

Now Richards steps out on his own with “A Beautiful End” and from first listen I hail it as another all-time favorite as its atmospheric approach and the unbelievable vocal talent of Richards simply shine through.

The record is a moody affair as it opens with “A Beautiful End” with its simple piano chords and the awesome vocals of Richards before kicking in with drums and lush instrumentation. The track is not that far off in approach from the songs on the “Opaline” record and it makes for a great opening number.

The next track threw me for a loop as “I Will Give You Life” brings Richards into a realm I never imagined. The song can only be described as a lost Kevin Moore-era DREAM THEATER track! It opens again with piano and some interesting sounds which need to be appreciated with a set of headphones before pummeling you with a John Petrucci-inspired guitar riff from hell! The track goes back and forth from a softer approach to heavier mode with perfect results.

“Ghost of Sorrow” is another moody as hell tune with the glorious vocals of Richards taking center stage. The song is more of a mid to slower-paced tune as most of the album is but it adds to the overall vibe and at time reminds me of the great PINK FLOYD in approach. Just check out the great guitar work towards the end of the song.

The acoustic driven “Far End of the Black” is another winner with its great lyrics and simpler approach. As is another acoustic-themed number “Person For You”, which could be a hit single if released to modern rock radio. It’s maybe the most commercial number on the record but the lyrics really hit home with a poignant nature.

Tune after tune brings moodiness and lush arrangements and let’s not forget the world-class vocals of J.R. Richards. The record is released independently by Richards and can be ordered directly from his website or downloaded from sites like iTunes. I can’t recommend enough heading over to www.jrrichardsmusic.com and listening to samples of the record and if they sound like they’d be up your alley then the whole record will blow you away.

Editors note: The review was based on the iTunes version of the album. The actual hard copy has a slightly altered running order of the same 10 tracks.