After much anticipation from fans he’s picked up on Myspace or since playing the rather lovable Ceth in John Cameron Mitchell’s raunchy and romantic Shortbus, Jay Brannan’s debut album is finally available. Young, gay, attractive, and ambitious, Brannan’s appropriately titled Goddamned is a mix of humor and misery like a punchy and potent alcoholic drink. Brannan’s somewhat sardonic approach to solving and speaking of everyday problems or troublesome situations via conversational lyrics is at the forefront of every barebones track. Since one won’t find so much as a drum on the record, it’s lucky for us that Brannan’s voice is sweet and listenable, and that his lyrics, though at times incredibly dense (he could use a bit more breathing room in between verses or individual lines), are quirky enough to cling to.

On the rather despondent “American Idol,” Brannan sings, “Am I suicidal? Or am I hungry? American Idol get the hell off my TV.” The irony continues throughout the rest of the album, with songs like the piano-driven “Bowlegged and Starving,” which sounds rather similar to Ben Folds. On the other hand, the title track is outright somber with no added irony. Here, a violin literally weeps as Brannan tells a personal story through metaphor; his voice and the accompanying instruments rise with emotion before he quiets down again and sings, “No one’s coming to save you.” Even Brannan’s online blog speaks with unbridled truth, as is witnessed throughout the immensely intimate Goddamned.

“At First Sight” is harmoniously charming and "Half-Boyfriend” is hysterically relatable, as he sings, “You’re a tease, you’re a cockblocker, you’re a loudmouth bitch, and a big talker,” and ends the chorus with the drawn-out line, “My one hope was that I’d survive you.” Through speaking of addictions, failed loves, world tragedies, self-loathing, disappointments, and depression, it seems that the up-and-coming multitalented Brannan is definitely surviving.

-Amy Dupcak