If 2002's was a warm, laid-back record, 's 2005 sequel, -- a likeable but unremarkable covers album, , appeared in the interim -- is its flip side, a lean, hard-hitting soulful album. Not that is returning to the sound of : he's still with the same band that he's been with since , anchored by drummer and featuring members guitarist and bassist , and he's working the same musical territory, grounded in , , '60s , and . There may be absolutely no surprises here -- even the change of pace is reminiscent of many of his gentler folky tunes, echoing 's mellow vibe -- but for as familiar as is, it never sounds lazy; it's a tighter, better record than most of his late-'90s albums. The closest antecedent to in 's solo catalog is . Like that 1997 effort, this is a straightforward, no-frills record, heavy on rockers and with few pretensions, but where that album could drift, this is focused and exciting, boasting a stronger set of songs and livelier performances, plus a greater variety of colors and textures in the production. Those subtle differences wind up making a huge difference in the overall effect of -- on the surface, it certainly sounds familiar to what came before, but thanks to 's muscular, memorable songs and musicianship, it stands apart as one of his more satisfying solo albums. [This edition contains a bonus CD, "Live from Alexandra Palace," featuring visceral performances of and the classic ] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine