Although
Hootie & the Blowfish
delivered a fine second album, they had no hope of matching the phenomenal success of their debut,
Cracked Rear View
, so
Fairweather Johnson
was perceived as a flop, even though it moved over two million copies. In a way, that perception of failure was the best thing that could have happened to the band. With the spotlight being shone somewhere else (
Alanis Morissette
, to be exact),
could return to what they loved best -- playing music and being in a band.
Musical Chairs
, the group's third album, illustrates what a blessing it was for the group. Despite a couple of production flourishes, such as the occasional horn section and strings, it's no breakthrough or stylistic departure -- it's simply a well-made album, filled with catchy tunes. In other words, it's exactly like their first two records, but the performances are more kinetic and fun than on
, and the songs are arguably as consistent as those on
. That's why
feels a bit like a comeback, but it really shouldn't be viewed that way -- it's just a consolidation of their talents and further proof that
are a fine mainstream
pop/rock
band. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine