LC doesn't give us depressing songs. He gives us the human condition and some may find that depressing. For me it's just moving. I'm touched by the beauty of his finely crafted offerings in a way that few artists can equal. I also second what ollaimh said about the musicians he surrounds himself with. I saw him last year he had 5 backing musicians and 3 singers sharing the stage, all virtuosi in their own right. The sound quality of the live mix was impeccable.