Pop music has a long history of rivalries within its ranks. There’s Metallica versus Megadeth, Tupac versus Biggie, The Beatles versus The Stones and now, Sennett versus Lewis? OK, that last one may be a bit of a stretch, but it’s no coincidence that Blake Sennett, one-half of the creative force behind indie-cum-major label darlings Rilo Kiley and his side project The Elected released an album on the very same day that Jenny Lewis, the other half of that creative force, released hers. Though the duo claim BFF status, it’d be impossible for the ex-lovers to not have any competitive spirit between them.

But don’t look for any dis songs on Sun, Sun, Sun -- that’s not Sennett’s style. The album blends shimmering 1970s AM radio gold with the alt-country sounds of the heartland, and if there is a rivalry to emerge here, Sennett would easily take home the trophy for most likely to be blue.

To that end, the record is a study in contrasts. Despite its cheery title, sunshine remains the one thing of whichSennett’s life seems most in need. The album’s three-part harmonies and power pop choruses put a shiny coat of paint over cracked and peeling walls, yet underneath that sheen lays thirteen tracks that dwell in nooks and crannies of failed relationships.

The album’s title track has a lo-fi production vibe and acoustic instrumentation that could have come from Conor Oberst, as could the song’s lyric: “But your heart, I did not break it / No, it was taken from you years ago / And the hole those older men pulled it through / It is still aching, let’s be patient.” The twangy Americana of “Bank and Trust” adds a lap steel to the mix, and were it not for the lush vocal harmonies and baritone sax flourishes, the song could almost be found on a Tom Petty record. Here we find further evidence that what Sennett really needs is a big ol’ ball of light: “She said, the only way you got as far as you did was ‘cause of me / Your songs suck.”

That ever elusive sun does begin to shine on “Beautiful Rainbow,” an homage to Elliott Smith with simple, sentimental lyrics: “She’s the lake under the moon / I seen her twinkling the whole night through / And you know something must be changing ‘cause I seen a rainbow.” The album concludes in a fiery ball of braggadocio, as Sennett, tired from supporting the weight of the world squarely on his shoulders, lets loose: “I’m the biggest star you’ll ever see / So you can go but know you’ll miss me / I’ll leave it up to you / Either way you choose / Oh honey, I can’t lose.” And it’s a welcome refrain, a sign that Sennett may be alright after all.

Comfortableness permeates Sun Sun Sun. The lyrics teeter just on edge of schmaltz, yet they never cross over. Sennett runs up to the line and then stops short of it. The melodies are strong, as are the album’s performances, and though the tunes may sound familiar, that’s to their author’s credit. They are proficient enough to feel like tribute and intelligent enough to not feel ripped off. Frankly, it’s nice to hole up inside Sennett’s head for a while. If only everyone’s loneliness could be this pretty.