New Zealand's Liam Finn - son of Crowded House frontman Neil - proves himself with a vengeance on this dazzling solo debut. The most audacious thing about I'll Be Lightning is that it doesn't shy away from father/son comparisons but invites them by embracing the bittersweet Beatlesque sound of his father's music. Playing most of the instruments himself, Finn unfurls one gorgeous melody after another, from the cozy "Gather to the Chapel" to the hypnotic title track, which could be an Abby Road outtake. If anything, this irresistible album is a little too perfect. Finn should take a cue from the dirtier, more raucous textures of "This Place Is Killing Me" (which features a sputtering fuzztone guitar) on his next outing.

- Jon Young, Paste