The Surprise's previous release, Time to Discover, duplicated the immensity of a soul revue; New Ground is arena-rock big, huge with layers, open spaces and pockets of little nuances and sounds.
New Ground is also full of anthems, and "Born in America" might do for Bradley what "New York, New York" did for Ryan Adams. It's so good to be born in America, Bradley sings in a tone destined to bring stadium crowds to tears. He's not kidding. He lists virtues such as New York City, the Los Angles Dodgers, the Colorado Rockies and Uncle Sam's never crying, giving his all to a statement Woody Guthrie, Kate Smith, Paul Robeson, Lee Greenwood and Ray Charles could join hands and sing. When New Ground works, it succeeds because it states simple things simply.
