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The Grapes of Wrath were one of the mainstays of Canadian pop music in the 80s and early 90s.  The combination of intelligent lyrics and acoustic-based arrangements set them apart from much of the over-synthesized, over-produced 80s music on the airwaves.  Pretty much anyone who listened to much Canadian radio during the 80s or 90s knows the songs "All The Things I Wasn't," "I Am Here," "You May Be Right," and "Peace of Mind" to name a few.  Then the group hit the inevitable personality conflicts, and 3/4ths of the band became the band Ginger.  Then a couple of years ago, the two main members of Grapes patched up their differences and started the Grapes up again. The question that immediately springs to mind is what exactly the new album would be like, with reference to the body of hit music from the earlier periods. 

Fortunately, this album captures some of the best of the old, while still breaking new ground for the band.  The lead-off track, and first single "Black Eye" is more hard-edged than practically anything on their previous albums, yet maintains the trademark harmonies.  Other tracks, such as "Like A Fool" almost sound like Oasis, but only because Oasis has made the Grapes' signature style part of their radio success in the last few years.  Other tracks such as "18", "Rivers Flow", "Begin Communication" and "Head In My Hands" are instantly catchy, while breaking new, oft-times jazzier ground. 

Sometimes the lyrics seem to convey a little about the trials the group went through, but mostly, they're standard fare about love and relationships. As many times as this CD has taken a spin in my player the last few months, it still hasn't worn out on me.  One of the better comeback albums in recent years, but one which is, sadly, largely overlooked.

Alex Klages 2/26/2001