It's doubtful that there are many major-label performers who share 's knowledge of global politics and events, and few, if any, have the ability and/or conviction to convey it so eloquently over the majority of an album. The aptly titled , his 14th studio release, does just that, expanding the worldview of its predecessor . Whereas that record's best moments centered around his time in Central America, takes you across the globe, through Berlin, Chile, parts of the Caribbean, and North America. Along the way, , who has always been intrigued by life's contradictions, is both "dazzled... at this world of wonders" and troubled, "...when life isn't so sweet." Musically and lyrically, though, he's always been known for his serious bent; can be as warm and inviting as he can be haunting or ominous. But while there are moments that will appeal to even the unconverted, there are times when the casual listener may feel a bit overwhelmed by his intense poetry or put off by the overt political leanings of much of the album. Still, how many artists could write a song decrying the evils of the International Monetary Fund ( ), complete with expletive, and make it spirited enough to be released as a single, or pen a love song ( ) that contains references to "secret police" and reading a "psychopath's" magazine? is a complex artist writing about complex times, and does a good job of capturing that. ~ Brett Hartenbach