He's baaaaaack! Jesse Ruben, Berklee alum and Boston favorite, has a real crowd pleaser with his newest album, the EP, Thought's I've Never Had Before, Part 1 (available June 12th). Anyone who's been to a show (or five) will recognize a few of the tracks, and think to themselves "Thank God!" And new fans, don't worry, the mix of inspiring, silly, and heartbreaking tracks will draw you in and leave you wanting more.

We start with, "We Can," an anthem we should all embrace. Ruben declares, "every dream I'm trying to achieve, I can, I can, I can" and promises that WE can too. We can make a difference; we can change the world. We can.

Ruben fans will be delighted to hear that live-show favorites, "Stupid American Guy," "I Should Get Out More" and "If I Only Had a Heart" are featured on the EP. "Stupid American Guy" highlights the trip of a, well, "stupid" American guy chasing his french love. The guy, "don't wanna go to the Eiffel Tower, don't wanna see the Mona Lisa," he just wants to stay in with his girl. Doesn't seem so stupid to us, Jesse! The track is amusing, yet Ruben's voice is hauntingly heart-breaking, making you wonder, "Did these two work out?"

In a word "I Should Get Out More" is, hilarious. Ruben's "neighbors are throwing a kegger bigger than Bonaroo" and are "shouting considerate phrases like, 'Chugg this!'" Sounds like a party, right? The song gently (ahem!) makes fun of the stereotypical college scene, and makes you wonder, should he really get out more? Or is he better off staying in?

Wizard of Oz fans, this one's for you. This is the most amazingly, fantabulous cover of the Tin Man's classic, "If I Only Had a Heart," probably ever. Ruben's smooth, calm voice is perfect for the melody, bringing listeners back to the childhood.

The only downside of the record, is it's only five tracks. The last song, "In The Blink Of An Eye" highlight's Ruben's versatility as a songwriter, spinning a story told by a narrator, other than himself. He has an uncanny ability to step aside and sing another's story. What is the song saying? That's for listeners to decide on their own.

Things I've Never Thought Before, Part 1 is available on iTunes June 12th. Do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won't be sorry! Ruben's other releases The Ones That Matter (2010) and Aiming For Honesty (2008) are also available on iTunes. Don't miss Ruben when he comes home to Boston on June 29th at the Brighton Music Hall (Allston, MA).

For more information on Jesse Ruben, check out jesseruben.com, Facebook, and Twitter.