Here Goes Tomorrow

Some of the same players contribute to James's record, also at the behest of Panunzio, James says. Surprisingly, one of the album's most evocative moments features nothing but James's voice and his twelve-string acoustic guitar. "War Song" is a simple, sparse examination of music's power. "If I could write a song that could end all wars," James sings softly, "I bet they wouldn't listen."

That track is followed by the record's most stirring moment, "Soul Hurts," which sounds just like Southside Johnny. The melody is invincible, and anybody who can sing like Southside is already dancing in the stratosphere. "I was influenced and inspired by Southside Johnny," James confirms. "I met him when I was on Cypress. Subsequently, we got together for a couple of gigs. I wrote the song for him. But everybody said it was good, and they told me to keep it for myself."

The prescription for a hurting soul can be filled at your local record store. These two albums are miracle medicine. But the future of rock and roll? "I enjoyed doing both those records a lot," says producer Thom Panunzio. "Both Vinnie and Will became close friends of mine. Whether they sell any records or not, they're my friends for life.