Lee, who takes inspiration from artists like Neil Young, James Taylor and Bill Withers, is an amalgam of jazz, soul, folk and a little bit of country. But in spite of his multi-genre style, or perhaps because of it, Lee has created a unified work in “Mission Bell.”

Armed with a mellow sound akin to that of Ray Lamontagne, and a hard-edged voice that sometimes resembles Gavin DeGraw without the extraneous trips to falsetto-land, Lee risks falling into the conventional singer-songwriter mold. But it is his distinct grasp of sensitive storytelling, perpetually evolving album after album, which sets him apart.

“Mission Bell” takes a more somber turn than Lee’s previous albums. The deliciously dark “Out of the Cold” remains a haunting standout, and “Hello Again” is an intense look at an old lover. Even “Windows Are Rolled Down,” one of the album’s more cheerful-sounding songs, features the lyrics “windows are rolled down/I’m fixin’ to die.”

The rich, bluesy track “Learned A Lot” serves to clarify the album. It is not just a collection of solemn songs, but an introspective achievement. It is the work of someone in a state of self-reckoning, someone who is “broken hearted,” but who has simply “learned a lot.”

“El Camino” is a soaring stand out on the album, well deserving of a reprise with country icon Willie Nelson. Nelson’s deep croon adds an air of sentimentality to the already quietly brilliant duet.

Not every song showcases Lee’s distinctive talents as effortlessly. The musician’s more upbeat tracks, such as “Windows Are Rolled Down” and “Flower,” feature a superfluous full band that takes away from the easy musicianship of the other songs.

It is unfair to downplay Lee’s ability as a strong musician as well as a skilled vocalist, but his more heavily instrumental tracks are those that pigeon hole him into certain genres and end up sounding dated and irrelevant.

Also unnecessary for creating a solid sound are the female back-up vocals heard on the twangy ditty “Cup of Sorrow.” It is far better when Lee’s layered and sultry voice is featured, as it is on “Out of the Cold,” where its subtleties can shine through.

Although Lee is a talented musician capable of juggling many genres, it is his voice and skill as a master storyteller that make “Mission Bell” such a rich experience.

Reach Elizabeth here.

Sign up for Neon Tommy's weekly e-mail newsletter.