My Private Nation
Train is building a reputation as one of rock’s tightest outfits one single at a time. The clever and sweet "Meet Virginia" was eclipsed by the gorgeous "Drops of Jupiter."My Private Nationmay well prove these guys can squeeze more than one hit out of the album--although none are as enchanting as their breakthrough single. They continue to gravitate towardElton John-inspired keys-and-guitar arrangements that are marked by studied rhythms and stellar production. While there's inventiveness to be found in these songs, there’s a sameness to the tracks that makes the album as a whole fall a little flat. While attempting to recapture the grandeur of "Drops of Jupiter" on the opening song, "Calling All Angels," they overreach, and the pop-culture references scattered throughout date almost instantly.My Private Nationis a clean, intelligent disc, but it's also safe and middle of the road. Train’s fans would be richly rewarded if the band took a few more risks.--Beth Massa