is a subdued, reflective effort unlike anything else in 's catalog. Certainly, there are some familiar elements throughout , particularly on majestic like but there are more new variations on his style since any album since . Not coincidentally, that record had hints of the spirituality that surges to the forefront on , but it was nowhere near as musically focused as the latter record. Apart from there is a true lack of singles, which doesn't mean that there aren't standouts -- since has a weird, jerky hook and the opener is a terrific single -- that stand on their own merit. Instead, the record works as a whole, flowing as seamlessly as or . Unfortunately, it's not as strong as either of those records, largely because it's about texture and spirit, not individual songs. In a case like that, the music and ambience are as important as the actual songs, and while they're often very provocative, they tend to meander as well, particularly on the three-part suite that comprises the last side of the record. On CD, its calming effect is dissipated because the bonus 7" single / is added at the end. Their presence makes it clear that was intended as an album unto itself, without much in the way of singles, because each song -- the former being excellent , the other a fine -- could have been a single unto itself. In this context, they may deflate the lasting spiritual impression of the album, but they add musical weight, helping make the disc a fine effort. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine