Calvin's second album is appropriately enough called Seconds. Showcasing both his compositional and nimble playing skills on acoustic and electric guitars, this album also features several guest musicians, the most well known for me is Paul Speer on synths (he also produced the album). Like his first album Clear Dream Day you'll hear several styles on this follow-up release, also, it has much greater orchestration and could be summed up as easy listening rock. The theme for each of the nine tracks is second something - such as a second love or second born child. The opening track "Second Place" is a joyous piece of both uplifting and slightly laid back guitar melodies accompanied by drums and light sax in places. This piece conveys the idea that finishing something in second place is worthy of celebration. A deeper sax sound crops up in "Second Love", here the acoustic guitar melodies are more refined. I take this piece to be a meditation on a second love which can perhaps be less exciting than one's first, but can be more mature and mellow. A cello helps to add depth, taking turns with the sax to impart varying levels of emotion. Over the course of the nine tracks we get to experience good emotions and themes like happiness, celebration, contentment, renewal, and contemplation. There are no low points either musically or in the moods conjured up. Lively tracks bookend the album as the final track "Second Storm" features deft guitar melodies over lighthanded percussion, bass, and drums. Other instrumentation comes in at various times, adding to the sense that something gloomy or ominous is on the horizon and headed this way. It's thanks to works like Seconds that I'm gradually becoming fond of guitar based music if it's accompanied by other instruments. This is a delightful album, equally ideal for lazy sunday afternoon listening or playing in a car.