When resurrected the sound and approach (if not the personnel) of for the 2005 album , it was a welcome return to what does best after the poorly focused meanderings of much of his solo work. But while embracing the handle energized his muse on , the second album from 2.0, , suggests it has also given him a clearer vision in his search for new sonic territory. The melodic textures of are very much in the mode of 's early work, but has offered a few noticeable change-ups in how he approaches the material, most noticeably the addition of on keyboards, whose washes of organ and piano add new colors to the band's palate. also takes a few other chances here that pay off, particularly with the punchy horns on and though it remains clear that is in charge of this band, finds this lineup of growing into a sound of their own, with the rhythm section of and sounding more comfortable but also lending a stronger backbone on the more rocking material (especially the title track) and given more room to blend his guitar work with 's -influenced leads. And while isn't likely to get ever over his shyness about direct declarative statements in his lyrics, like is clearly informed by the political and social malaise of America under , and 's compassionate anger on and the title tune is bracing and powerful. In their original incarnation, made a brilliant debut and followed it up with a genuine disappointment, but the second time around, has followed strength with strength, and is a potent reminder of why was and is one of the watershed artists of the movement. ~ Mark Deming