Six years since the Strokes hit the mainstream, a new songwriting talent has emerged from the band. Guitarist Albert Hammond Jr.’s solo debut, Yours to Keep (Rough Trade), is out this month, and it’s an infectious CD displaying an unexpected warmth. Even the cover of Yours implies respite from the Strokes’ urban angst: Here, wildlife critters gossip and watch the sunset in cheery cartoon bliss.

A cornerstone of Strokes leader Julian Casablancas’ image is his controlled emotional output: On last year’s First Impressions of Earth, he wasted an entire chorus singing, “I’ve got nothing to say . . .” By contrast, Hammond trades in tender vulnerabilities. “Words won’t allow me to say what I won’t change,” he admits on the Lennonesque “Blue Skies,” yet he still sounds remorseful when a romance crumbles.

When asked about this more affectionate side from the Strokes, Hammond just laughs and jokes, “I fooled them all!”

He’s speaking by phone from the practice space he shares with new bandmates Matt Romano (drums) and Josh Lattanzi (bass). (The album also features guest appearances from Sean Lennon, Ben Kweller and Casablancas, among others.) On the phone, as at a CMJ showcase last fall, Hammond is animated. The son of famed songwriter Albert Hammond speaks of bypassing hurdles, of pushing forward, offering a parallel positive outlook to his songs. As the Strokes take a break — according to Hammond, “until everyone feels ready to go back and refigure out what we’re trying to do” — this songwriter is motivated by strong inner momentum. “You learn so much every day, it’d be silly for me to think I know everything,” says Hammond. “I’m only 26.”

Yours paints Hammond as a young dreamer (check the opening track, “Cartoon Music for Superheroes”), giving the songs a sensitive spin, even when the situations get twisted. If Hammond’s aim is selfish (“I’m not gonna change till I want to,” he challenges on “In Transit”), he still backs down with apologies (“By the way she looked, I should have calmed down; I went too far”), making for a record as mature in its emotional range as it is in its musical arrangements.

Although his sonic aesthetic has obvious similarities to that of the Strokes, Hammond fills these ditties with more pop helium, adding bits of bubblegum psychedelia and ballooning melodies. And when language doesn’t quite buoy the spirit to its ideal height, Hammond coos, whistles and engages a chorus of angelic backing singers to lift these gems skyward. “Scared” is the stunner here, though, kicking off with a skipping record for a beat, and growing into a sweet outpouring of affection, Hammond noting, “I think if we’re all that we have/That’s still more than most people ever have, anyway/Oh anyway you can stay here.” Throughout the record, he’s empathizing with his lovers and recognizing the faults in his romantic motivations. In the end, Yours to Keep is a valentine to Strokes fans, displaying how even the slickest exterior can peel away to reveal a confectionery heart.

ALBERT HAMMOND JR. | Yours to Keep | Rough Trade

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