Less than four months after issuing the landmark and autobiographical , re-emerged with a new band and a slightly modified sound. However, the departure of bassist and drummer began a deceleration in terms of 's success, which rivalled only ' and 's in terms of global acclaim. The revamped band grew to include new associates on keyboards and on bass as well as drummer and guitarist , who had both performed with as far back as his first long-player. (He also retained the services of guitarist and percussionist from the most recent lineup.) Musically, maintains the balance of harder-edged material and effective ballads. In fact, one of the album's strongest suits is the wide spectrum of strong material. The ballsy no-nonsense "Street Kids" and the aggressive gringo rock of the sound-alike "Grown Some Funk of Your Own" contrast with the poignant power balladry of "I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)" or the dark and brooding tale of addiction on "Feed Me." Perhaps inspired by the crossover R&B appeal of "Philadelphia Freedom," the up-tempo "Island Girl" bears a distinct and danceable groove that lies somewhere between a slightly Jamaican vibe and disco. Perhaps more soulful in the traditional sense are the boogie-based "Hard Luck Story" or propulsive beat that drives "Billy Bones and the White Bird." While the increasingly fickle public as well as lack of a strong follow-up to the chart-topping single "Island Girl" may have prevented from becoming the heir apparent to , in the wake of 's flawless predecessors it remains a strong and worthwhile entry that also set the stage for its follow-up, . ~ Lindsay Planer