The Dude cuts an album

"Crazy Heart" Oscar winner Jeff Bridges can beautifully portray a grizzled country star on screen, but that doesn't make him a country singer. Although his self-titled album (Blue Note) starts on a winning Buddy Holly note with the late Stephen Bruton's "What a Little Love Can Do," and he adds a certain understated pathos to his own "Falling Short," his friendly and familiar voice ultimately proves one-dimensional. This shortcoming is especially evident on meandering, atmospheric tracks such as "Maybe I Missed the Point" and "The Quest."

'Jeff Bridges'

GRADE C

BOTTOM LINE A nice effort, but ultimately The Dude should stick to acting.