(Hear Music) www.hearmusic.com

James Hunter is a man born 50 years too late, rejuvenating the late ‘50s-early ‘60s R&B sound of the likes of Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and The “5” Royales (one of Hunter’s particular inspirations, especially for his stinging, slashing guitar style). His new one is of a piece with the one that got him noticed, 2006’s People Gonna Talk, although Hunter has turned things up a notch in the songwriting department, and he and his band seem, if possible, even tighter. There are also a few new touches here and there: strings and vibes accents on the title track and “Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” the presence of a master, Allen Toussaint, and his piano on several songs, a pronounced Atlantic-era Ray Charles sound on “Believe Me Baby,” and, to wind things down, the relaxed swing of Hunter and his solo acoustic guitar on “Strange But True.” Hunter isn’t adding a lot to the music he’s bringing back, but he does it so damn well and he’s such a triple threat as songwriter, singer, and guitarist that he gives the lie to the album title; for Hunter, this ain’t hard — this seems as easy, as natural, as breathing.

Standout tracks: “Don’t Do Me No Favours,” “Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” STUART MUNRO