Working with producer didn't necessarily bring a sense of sonic cohesion -- after all, every record since followed its own interior logic -- but it did help the group sharpen its focus, making its tightest record since . Ironically, had little to do with new wave and everything to do with the lush, post-psychedelic pop of and . Combining the charming pastoral feel of with the classicist English pop of , expand their signature sound by enhancing their intelligently melodic pop with graceful, lyrical arrangements and sweeping, detailed instrumentation. may have devised the sequencing, helping the record feel like a song cycle even if it doesn't play like one, but what really impresses is the consistency and depth of 's and 's songs. Each song is a small gem, marrying sweet, catchy melodies to decidedly adult lyrical themes, from celebrations of love ( ) and marriage ( ) to skepticism about maturation ( ) and religion ( ). 's songs complement 's songs better than before, and each writer is at a melodic and lyrical peak, which helps convey with his supple production. The result is a pop masterpiece -- an album that has great ambitions and fulfills them with ease. The initial release of didn't feature which was originally the B-side of After became an unexpected hit, was pulled from the album so the hit single could be added. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine