Ryan Adams

In his blog, Ryan Adams announced yesterday that he was leaving music for a while due to hearing issues that were affecting his balance, as well as an overall need to get away from the limelight and the stressful effects of touring.

Adams has never been one to shy away from how he feels and, in regards to his legacy, he went on to say rather somberly, "I am a punchline and a footnote in what is worse to yell at someone than 'free-bird'. I mean, I lost."

While I am doubtful that the prolific Adams will be away from music for long, I do believe that he is an extremely misunderstood character and, for that, I can't help but sympathize with the guy . If Adams isn't the best songwriter of this decade, then he is certainly its most underrated. He writes incredibly good pop songs and gets no radio play whatsoever nor does he receive the best of reviews from music critics. He hasn't exactly helped his cause with his words or his actions in the past to smooth over his image but, honestly, would any of us fare any better if someone was constantly recording and keeping tabs of our bad days as we struggle with personal demons the way Adams has? Regardless, Adams seems destined to be that artist who isn't fully appreciated until after he is gone and that's unfortunate. In the arena of public image, Ryan Adams may have lost but, as an artist, he has done anything but.