David Arkenstone"s 15th career album is the most instantly likable package the multi-instrumentalist has assembled since 1991"s Grammy-nominated In the Wake of the Wind. There"s a near-total emphasis on straightforward melodies and traditional song structure, while scene-setting mood pieces and soundtracklike vignettes are mostly sidestepped. The outcome is highly rewarding. The disc"s feel-good opening track, "New Day," is a sunny melodic charmer, one of Arkenstone"s best tunes ever--so engaging that it leaves you sighing when the notes begin to fade. (If you"re a fan of Michael Gettel, this track is your cup of tea.) Arkenstone, principally playing keyboards, guitar, and pennywhistle, designs other gems as well in this valentine to American landscapes, notably "Voices of a New Land," a more traditional Arkenstone blend of atmosphere and rhythm, and "Full Sail," a sweetly propulsive reminiscence of a day on the ocean, nicely augmented by members of the Utah Symphony. Guitarist Marc Antoine lends a guest solo to the appropriately named "Sunset Highway." It may be less an "experience" than a smooth-pop recording (yes, saxophone surfaces on a number of tracks), but Arkenstone"s facility with melody makes American Journey a trip well worth taking. --Terry Wood