By Orren Merton

Art Alexakis has a way with words. He's been around the bend, experienced the ups and downs, and wants to tell us all about them. Lucky for us, he's really good at it. With this album, he's out to prove that he has a way with melodies as well. And for the most

part, he does.

Most Everclear records have been rhythmically muscular slices of White Rock/grunge, separated from the pack by the emotional content that Alexakis packs into each song. In "Songs"--which allegedly was going to simply be Art's solo album until the band signed on--the music takes a more soulful, groovy, soulful edge for much of it. And he has a surprising gift for soul--songs like the acoustic-soul "Here We Go Again" and the addictively infectious "AM Radio" literally burst out of the CD player with their groove, texture, and flavor. The heavy guitars are still here, but mostly used as texture, with acoustics, less distorted electrics, even horns and orchestras are used to build up the songs. The lyrics are as involving and honest as ever, mostly dealing with failed/failing relationships and his love for his daughter. But the stories about his youth, drugs, street level experiences, etc. are still here.

It's rare these days that an artist actually writes engaging tunes *and* has something to say. Not a whole lot of artists seem that interested anymore in having something far reaching to share, and it's a joy that this album--lower key, less bombastic, but rich and enjoyable--goes out of it's way to not just be enjoyable, but also a worthwhile journey. Everclear will probably not be as richly commercially rewarded for this as their straightforward rock albums, but I hope that they maintain this level of quality with all their releases.