Newman's first collection of pop songs since 1988's
Land of Dreams finds him as satirically biting as ever, yet unafraid to tackle personal and heartfelt concerns. Few are out of harm's way when
Newman's at the keyboard: Old rock stars get it in "I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It)," dirty old men in "Shame" and "The World Isn't Fair," and cultural imperialism in "The Great Nations of Europe." In addition, there's perhaps one of his most beautiful and personal songs yet, "I Miss You," and even a schmaltzy one, "Every Time It Rains." The production team of
Mitchell Froom and
Tchad Blake ensure that there are no missteps by maintaining a timeless, orchestrated sound with original instrumentation. Doubters who thought
Newman lost his edge after dozens of blockbuster movies needn't worry anymore -- few of these songs would find their way onto the smiley soundtracks, yet all of them should rest comfortably alongside his other four-star offerings. ~ Denise Sullivan