Sure, he was in and wrote 's -tacular but before you go thinking is a garish exercise in over the top slickness, consider that prepared himself for recording the album by driving up and down the West Coast listening to ' . is a sprawling album and a lot to take in on first listen. Even if it's a bit overstuffed -- one more layer could have killed it -- has a lot of conviction behind it and wading through all the multi-tracked vocals and moody musical landscapes is rewarding. Only sensuality can contain 's wandering spirit, and love and lust are all over the album. Vocally he can sound like a beefy , especially on the yearning but he's looser and a beautiful woman can no doubt make him speak in tongues. Swirling, dreamy tunes alternate with spirited rockers ( is the stomping highlight), and there's a touch of fiery here and there. ' string arrangements add to the album's giant sound, and only occasionally does the ambition outweigh the substance. is sexy and mysterious, challenging but approachable, and a fascinating listen from the more risky side of . ~ David Jeffries