James Hurley brings out his good-natured fun and soulful crooning voice on his album The Sun and the Moon. Hurley sings, "One of these nights the sky will shine as the sun and the moon go dancing" on his opening song, "The Sun and the Moon." Indeed, they seem to dance right through the rest of Hurley's music, as reference is made several times to these cosmic wonders.

Such allusions are appropriate for a singer whose voice sounds like it could be comfortable in the great outdoors, around a campfire. A "folky" mix of a slow-paced Eric Clapton and an older Colin Hay, Hurley follows the Norah Jones secret for success: play soothing music that is different from the mainstream and stay within yourself. As a result, no specific song truly stand out as a stellar hit, but upbeat tracks like "One Fine Day" feature effervescent strumming, and soulful songs like "You and Me," boil down lyrics to the most basic loving desires.

While The Sun and the Moon features tuba, clarinet, violin, and hand drums on certain tracks, the main attraction is Hurley's voice as it plays off his guitar. The simplicity of his album makes it appealing to the listener, stripped of any unnecessary ornaments.

The nature of Hurley's music prevents him from creating a truly creative masterpiece, but it is easy to partake in the travels of the notes, riding by on melancholy lows and hopeful highs.