Artist: The Wallflowers
Album Title: Rebel, Sweetheart
Label: Interscope
Bones:
Summary: Jakob and Co. go their own way
Reviewed By: 'Disco' Stu McPhee

We now come to what I think is the most interesting part in the career of a mid-level band. Having quashed any chances of long periods of occupation at the top end of the charts (due to either influences beyond their control or a complete lack of interest though one would hope it is the former rather than the latter because lets face it, everyone wants to be a contender), the band can decide to part ways knowing they gave it a shot or choose to continue on by servicing their loyal fan base always after fresh material.

With that in mind it would've been a monumental shame to see a group like The Wallflowers call it a day. Despite several personnel changes and a lead singer who has always had far too much pressure placed on him the band has persevered for over a decade now, carving out a nice little songbook of fine Americana tunes that proves that they were always the clear successors to Tom Petty's throne.

'Rebel, Sweetheart' is The Wallflowers most relaxed effort after giving commercial success one last go on 2002s 'Red Letter Days'. Tensions have clearly eased in the camp, allowing the songs to breathe under the direction of Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen).

Speaking of Springsteen, lead singer Jakob Dylan is sounding like The Boss more than ever, especially on radio single (does radio actually play music like this anymore?) 'Here He Comes (Confessions Of A Drunken Marionette)'. A bit of fun is had on the adventure tale 'The Passenger' that sounds like a throw back to the days of Jimmy Buffett, or possibly Coconut Pete!

Meanwhile, 'Nearly Beloved' is the typical 4 minute pop tune (with a hint of country) that the boys can thrash out in their sleep if the mood took them. Thankfully they give it their all and with songs like 'God Says Nothing Back' Dylan's songwriting continues to grow as well.

Album closer 'All Things New Again' is literally a rebirth and clearly sums up the current status of the band: reinvigorated and ready for the next phase of their musical career. 'Rebel, Sweetheart' though lacks a clear hit of the ballpark song but such a criticism matters not as The Wallflowers are worried about chart success no longer.