Selling more than a million copies in the U.K. and earning the pensive singer/songwriter a Mercury Prize nomination, Ben Howard's 2011 debut was no slouch—but it's his sophomore album that brings his talents into sharp focus. From the dub ambience and electric curlicues of the opener, producer Chris Bond judiciously flanks Howard's reedy tenor with light percussion and bright guitars. "Rivers in Your Mouth" sizzles like Springsteen's "I'm on Fire," and the skipping notes and vocal dips of "She Treats Me Well" recall Nick Drake. This is a thoughtful, meditative record, taking its time to create a uniquely melancholy mood.