M. Ward’s sixth album, Hold Time, encompasses a variety of styles, yet remains extremely thematic. The first few tracks, upbeat numbers replete with claps and folk-pop melodies, represent a change from his usual, brooding character. Ward even slips into familiar, romantic motifs, singing, “Honey, I ain’t never had nobody like you.”

“Hold Time,” a somber ballad built upon orchestral flourishes and mellow synths, slows down the album’s pace. Next, Buddy Holly’s classic “Rave On” is transformed into a slower, more hypnotic version, but does not stray far from the song’s original roots. Speeding up again, Hold Time relapses into upbeat pop. M. Ward’s voice is especially sugar sweet when it is spot-lit with mild guitar chords. That same mellowed-out guitar sound is instrumental in one of this album’s big improvements over his last effort: good choruses.

Hold Time flows by from track to track, through harmonic transitions that tie each piece together. Warbling chords are plucked vigilantly in “Stars of Leo” only to be subtly electrified on “Fisher of Men.” The melodies are underscored by frolicking piano lines. The sound leans toward a melodic country tone near the end, only to ricochet with a distant echo, singing “Well, put your head on my shoulder, baby, tell me where it hurts.”

Hold Time often relies upon warm earth tones and gives us a panoramic view of M. Ward’s internal world. Although it’s a warmer, cheerier release, lonely minor keys slip in frequently, betraying the nature of Ward’s solitary artistry. His whispering voice fills in empty spaces and glues together nostalgic instrumentals. Whether a bedtime playlist, optimistic release, or collection of hopes, it serves well.