Many observers were prepared to write off after the release of . Granted, the album was completed in the wake of 's death, but the group appeared bereft of new musical ideas and were sounding rather stale. In other words, the last thing anyone expected was a first-class return to form, which is what they got with . Working with producers and , updated their sound with shiny new surfaces and deep, funky grooves -- it was the same basic pattern as before, only refurbished and contemporized. Just as importantly, they had their best set of songs since at least , possibly since their debut. were great up-tempo rockers; had a groovy beat blessed with a great vocal; and was one of their rare successful reflective numbers. Then there was an irresistible number with delightfully silly lyrics and hooks as big as a whale that unbelievably gave the group a long-awaited Top Ten hit. The thing is, would already have been considered a triumphant return without its commercial success. The big sales were just the icing on the cake. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine