Has Been by William Shatner was released this week — and it’s good! Really! Musically it’s very good and he’s backed up by a group of highly talented people. Several of the songs are more like poetry or diaries set to music. The lyrics are often humorous and Shatner’s delivery feels sincere on the more serious tracks. The cover of “Common People” is marvelous. But there’s a lot more to like: the ranting and self-mocking “I Can’t Get Behind That” and the hilarious “You’ll Have Time” come to mind. iTunes Music Store labels the album as Rock but the songs are in a variety of styles. Recommended.

Update: The more I listen, the more I like it. “That’s Me Trying” is the saddest, best song I’ve heard in a while, based loosely on his relationship with his daughters; maybe it gets me because I myself have two children who I don’t ever want to disappoint. Check out the site for interviews about the album.