Once you listen to Grace Potter and The Nocturnal'sthird studio effort, you'll realize they have an agenda in mind. While their debut was a soulful, whimsical 60's-inspired sound with 70's influence, the self-titled third album carries more of an edge to it that has been presented clearly in lead single "Paris (Ooh La La)," which, by the way, is beyond perfection; 70's glam with a touch of an 80's metaphor ("If I was a man, I'd make my move... If I was a judge, I'd break the law") and today's use of pop hooks. The overall sound here, though, is airy and personal, i.e. "Oasis" and "Tiny Light." The choruses are carefully constructed, the verses are deep ("This house of stone has crumbled from the inside"), and Grace's voice has improved, both in soul and in power. There isn't material here as soft and laid-back as "Toothbrush and My Table" (from their first studio album Nothing But The Water) or as catchy as "Paris (Ooh La La)" and the band does share some balladry schmaltz with "Goodbye Kiss" but hey, if Indie Rock wants to go mainstream, who are we to stop 'em?

1. Paris (Ooh La La)
2. Oasis
3. Medicine
4. Goodbye Kiss
5. Tiny Light
6. Colors
7. Only Love
8. Money
9. One Short Night
10. Low Road
11. The Phone
12. Hot Summer Night
13. Things I Never Needed
RATING: 3.5/5

Recommended: Yes