were sliding toward the expected placid on 2006's , so a shake-up was due. To a certain extent that's what 2010's delivers in its content if not in its sound. This is the album where decides that it's time for him to look outside himself and take in the mess of the outside world, addressing everything from ongoing war to economic devastation. Big topics require a big sound, so grab a few ideas from , underlining the intended weightiness. While the band remains much closer to the warm AAA bath that's become their defining signature, the added ambition does give variety that's welcome after the exceedingly pleasant . ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine