Sometimes, the best artistic efforts come out of unhappy circumstances. Just as Gary Allan's latest country album Tough All Over - recorded after his wife committed suicide - took him to new heights, Nick Lachey post-Jessica reveals an artistic depth never hinted at in his previous work with 98 Degrees and the solo album Soul-O.

Lachey's obvious heartache permeates through this fine collection, with his voice sounding stronger and seemingly more elastic. The title track gets things off to a dramatic start, settling down a bit on the equally plaintive "I Can't Hate You Anymore." With "On Your Own," he lets his former chick know that he'll always be there for her, but at the same time, reveals that he still carries a lot of anger on "I Do It For You" where he wants her to bleed, beg, and crawl.

Those looking for Sunshine, Lollipops, and boyband Rainbows should probably stay away from this album, but anyone looking for a finely crafted, cathartic look at a failed relationship and its aftermath will find this to be a rewarding listening experience.

Four Stars! Nick Lachey has a engaging, powerful voice and he uses it effectively to impressively sing what amounts to his "E! True Hollywood Story" of the relationship with Jessica Simpson. An Autobiographical musical story if there ever was one, shaded with pop and country musical colors, it is based on events played out in public and on every TV screen in the world. Nick Lachey takes his recent marital problems and turns them into broken-hearted, but hopeful music. Having lived his marriage in a fishbowl, he turns to the same fishbowl to examine the breakup with music.

The Pieces De Resistance are the poignancy of "Beautiful"; the anguish of "Everywhere But Here", sung in a very dynamic way; the acceptance of "Ghosts"; the self-explanatory "I Don't Hate You Anymore"; and the hard-rocking "I Do It For You". It's not a plea to get back together, but rather an explanation of his injured feelings and how hard it is to move on, even though Hollywood has great looking women all over the place. Doesn't matter, she was the one and he had big plans for their relationship.

The words of "Everywhere But Here" say it all: "It's a mys-ter-y, how you can be, ev-ery-where but here". Indeed, Nick.

The bridge of "Outside Looking In" is so hopeful: "But I feel my world coming back to life, my eyes are finally open again."

In those terms, this is a successful CD and now he needs to move on, with his life and with his musical subject matter. The world is full of wonderful women and he'll find another one. The overwhelming musical evidence here is that Mr Lachey is very talented and should have a wonderful singing career again. The final proof is "Resolution": one POWERFULLY RENDERED feat of singing that will open the ears of new Lachey fans. Good luck to both Nick and Jessica. Four Engrossing Stars!!

(Notes: *This review of based on a 12 track ITunes Music Store download.)

I have been a fan of Nick's since I first heard 98 Degrees years ago. I followed his relationship before anyone knew who Jessica was. I cried when I watched him talk about their lost marriage on my B-day on MTV. Now I have fallen in love with his talent all over again. I love this new sound more than anything I have heard from him before. It is a much deeper sounding Nick, and his passion and loss flows through his words. I cry when I hear the opening strains to Resoultion come over the stereo. I have always known he was the most talented one in that marriage-and I love Jessica's music too- and I am so glad he shared this part of him with us all. Keep singing Nick, that is your gift and the world would be a much dimmer place without your voice. And to anyone who has ever loved and lost, give this one a try. It's honest without being too harsh, and yet shows strength. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! Oh, and to those who say he has only a young fan base, even my heavy metal loving husband-who hates boy bands, likes this one, he says he's crack one back with this down to earth guy anytime!!!! A Must Have!!!!!

After quite a few times listening to this cd, the songs really grew on me and had me singing along. At first, I was disappointed because the songs were all about the same thing (splitting with Jessica) and seemed kinda repetitive. Once you get used to the songs, though, most are really good.

1. What's Left Of Me - 5/5 I love this song! Everyone has heard it because it is the single - so if you like this song you should love this album.

2. I Can't Hate You Anymore - 5/5 Another hit. I think this is probably the second single. At first I thought the title was funny (could be taken two ways), but of course Nick means it in a nice way. Great song.

3. On Your Own - 3/5 Not my favorite. Still a nice song.

4. Outside Looking In - 3/5 Okay song. Kind of boring.

5. Shades of Blue - 5/5 Beautiful song. Really grows on you. I love Nick's voice on this song.

6. Beautiful - 4/5 This song is about how Jess is obsessed with fame and doesn't think she is pretty enough. It is a sweet song, though, and has some nice lyrics. "Don't ever let the mirror tell you lies....Just look at your reflection in my eyes...You're beautiful."

7. Everywhere but Here - 4/5 Uptempo song. I like it.

8. I do it for you - 5/5 The only song in which he sounds a angry. Pretty much saying she took more than she gave.

9. Run To ME - 4/5 Put together really well. I like this song. Starts slow then picks up tempo.

10. Ghosts - 3/5 I don't really like this song too much. Kinda boring. Too slow.

11. You're not alone - 4/5 This is the most uptempo song on the album. Could be a released on rock stations. Sounds a little like a Nickelback song to me. I like it. I guess this one is also a little angry.

12. Resolution - 5/5 Absolutely hearfelt and beautiful song! It is probably to slow for a radio release, but one of the best on the album.

If you like pop, pop/rock, love songs, or just love Nick....Buy This Album!

This album is a soul searching output of what has obviously been a trying time in this young man's most recent life. There's alot to be said for pouring your emotions out and through your music. Nick's second attempt at a solo album is a hit in my opinion. No sticky, bubble gum pop, but a more adult, contemporary view of the world. The tunes are catchy and melodic; some a bit similar to others, but for the most part a nice addition to your "today's" music collection. Good 4 you, Mr. Lachey, for taking the high road and pouring your heart out so the rest of us can relate a little better.