Review: Wallflowers uneven on ‘Glad All Over’

The Wallflowers, "Glad All Over" (Columbia)

"Glad All Over," The Wallflowers' first release in seven years, is an uneven return for the roots-rock band fronted by Jakob Dylan, the guy with the famous dad.

While the disc flirts with greatness, especially on the two tracks featuring former Clash guitarist Mick Jones, the majority feels a little phoned in and predictable.

At its best, like on "Misfits and Lovers," the band delivers its signature Bruce Springsteen-inspired, gravelly voiced, gritty garage band rock sound, complete with catchy hooks and driving rhythm.

But too often "Glad All Over" feels like a compilation of rejected ideas and riffs that are somewhat engaging but nowhere near as well executed as "Bringing Down the Horse," the 1996 record that brought the band its biggest hits and accolades.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: "Reboot the Mission" a Clash-inspired tune appropriately enough featuring Jones on guitar and also includes droll references to the latest reconfiguration of the band: "Welcome Jack, the new drummer/He jammed with the mighty Joe Strummer."

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