Finally out on his own, Ben Gibbard calls the shots on “Former Lives,” his first solo album. After working with Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service and a number of other smaller projects, Gibbard’s independent work is fresh and original. Some speculated if he would use this album to react to his divorce from Zooey Deschanel, but it doesn’t read that way. Though threaded with dark points, the collection carries upbeat tunes expressive of admiration or devotion. Opening with the curiously acapella “Shepherd’s Bush Lullaby,” there’s a weighty substance that sustains without relying on power or hooks like Death Cab did. “Bigger Than Love” features Aimee Mann’s deep, distinct vocals — a pleasant fixture in the landscape of Gibbard’s other pieces.

Grade: B