Blending technology with organic rock, Hello, the 1995 debut by the well-traveled singer/songwriter Poe is a striking record that manages to groove and feed the head with well-written observations. Working with a myriad of co-writers, producers (including Dave Jerden of Alice in Chains fame), and musicians (including ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum), Hello could have been an unfocused mess. However, that is not the case; the album has a definite cohesiveness. The title track leads things off with a hypnotic, ambient pop vibe as Poe attempts to communicate with someone who will not be reached. At the other end of the spectrum is the following cut, “Trigger Happy Jack.” Over grinding guitars, Poe again expresses an inability to communicate with someone and the chorus is immediately memorable. Maybe a little schizophrenic musically, Hello is an enjoyable romp where practically each track is a surprise waiting to be found. – Tom Demalon