Tim Brough's Black Leather Bookshelf

Happy Happy Joy Joy
4 Out Of 5 Stars

Showing more spunk than would be expected after a seven year hiatus, "Glad All Over" finds The Wallflowers rocking harder than probably any of their previous albums. Especially after the neo-folk of Jakob Dylan's pair of solo cd's, this is an unexpected surprise and delight. Adding to the jet fuel is drummer Jack Irons (late of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Mick Jones guesting on two rather Clash like songs. "Glad All Over" is shaking all around with a triumphant feeling.

"Reboot The Mission," they snap on the best song here. With Jones adding back-up vocals, it's Casbah pleasing rock. That's not all the band has up their sleeve, though. The frantic opener "Hospital for Sinners" sounds wickedly fun, even a little sinister. Same with the piano pounding "Devil's Waltz." If you're looking for the "One Headlight" clone, the closest it the disc's closer "One Set of Wings." But this is an album that punches harder than the old songs. The band sounds absolutely revitalized, and that makes "Glad All Over" a really good album.



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