In Flight
Raisin’, 2023
8/10
I only spent any significant time listening to these Canadian stars in 2021, when the highly diverse Detour de Force impressed me. In Flight continues that trend, where the band’s instantly recognizable, quirky pop-rock is in fine form, and much emphasis is on acoustic tracks.
The bright harmonies and very upbeat demeanor of “Lovin’ Life” opens the listen with an appeal that could be played at the club, and “One Night” follows with some alt-rock grit amid the group vocals and thumping energy.
In the middle, Jim Creeggan’s glowing keys populate the intimate and soulful “Just Wait”, while Tyler Stewart’s proficient drumming guides the powerful balladry of the hushed “Wake Up”.
Nearing the end, the acoustic guitar fueled “Clearly Lost” uses Ed Robertson’s smooth vocals amid the dreamy folk-pop ideas, and “The Peace Lady” exits with a poetic and graceful interaction that recruits strings for a very stirring finish.
The opinions on Barenaked Ladies are wide and varied. If you’re already a fan, this is certainly an album you can’t miss out on. If you’re not, well, it probably won’t change your mind. I sort of doubt that the band are much concerned about it anyway, as they seem to be very content with their current position as one of their countries greatest rock’n’roll bands.
Travels well with: Fastball- Step Into Light; The Tragically Hip- Saskadelphia