Chris Isaak: Baja Sessions

Chris Isaak's new Baja Sessions wasn't recorded anywhere near the Baja region, but was reportedly "inspired" by the exotic land. That seems true enough, as these 13 songs drift lazily alongside Isaak's Orbison-esque voice: Whether it's focused on covers (there are five), rerecorded hits (five) or new tracks (three), Baja Sessions does convey a laid-back, decidedly sunny mood. It's hardly essential, especially when you figure that new versions of Isaak's "Wrong To Love You" and "Two Hearts" are about as essential as, say, covers of "Yellow Bird" and "South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)." But the new songs are good, and there isn't a remotely unpleasant moment anywhere near Baja Sessions. Vocally, of course, Isaak is in terrific form, and that helps transform a disposable collection into one that's still disposable, but worth owning anyway.