THe Wallflowers "Glad All Over"

The last time we heard from these guys they were on the beautiful side of somewhere. It was a good song, no doubt, but Jakob said that during the beginning of the aughties they lost their focus; not in those exact words.  Their frame of mind was frozen, which required them to “Reboot The Mission.” The song, and first single is about the hiatus, without question; the song showcases a renewed vigor and wears that swagger on its suede jacket. It stands out from the rest, partially due to its style, and will stir some curiosity as to what the rest of the record sounds like. 
I’m getting ahead of myself here, and if you skipped the first three tracks you would be missing out on what is not only a “Hospital For Sinners,” but a return on the reaffirmation rhodes (lyrical and instrumental):  “If it's a comeback you want/Then get your hands raised.” While I belong with the “Misfits and Lovers” I would much rather be the “First One in The Car.” We know there are traces of Springsteen throughout their catalog, and Jakob could very well be a big fan, but where’s the shame in drawing inspiration from “The Boss?” Just “Have Some Mercy On Him Now.”  Whether through idle hands, or songs of pity “The Devil’s Waltz” is far from shi…varies, but if you don’t be careful he might marry the soul; pans need not apply. I’m a Believer because he does exist, and can bring out the violence in the pacifist. “It's not like the movies are/Where they hand you a set of lines/There are no excuses do overs in life/It's one chance for getting it right” is the finale of the first verse from “It Won’t Be Long (Till We’re Not Wrong Anymore).” It sounds like it is all about second chances, until you read the second verse; which confirms that it is more about “the right time, long wait.” Whether the pacing, which is a replicate of the speed you look out the view the countryside through a car window, or the fractured memories  that hold your attention; to the point where you are diagnosed with “Constellation Blues.” The closer does not rekindle the flame that was one headlight, but trades it in for something better; “One Set of Wings.” I can honestly say that this album did make me Glad All Over for its consistency, but these were some of my favorites: Hospital For Sinners, First One In The Car, Reboot The Mission, It’s A Dream, and Constellation Blues.