Although it was as big a commercial success as ' three previous albums, 2002's seemed flat and tired, as if their leader, , had reached a songwriting slump or as if the band had exhausted its possibilities. The time was ripe for a reinvention, or at least a risk, and the group responded accordingly with , a double album containing one disc of and one disc of acoustic material. Splitting music along such a clear dividing line is dangerous: since each disc explores one specific territory, each could sound monochromatic, but instead of falling into this trap, benefit from these self-imposed constraints. Both the and acoustic albums have their own distinct character -- more so than, say, ' separately released Use Your Illusion's, which felt like one gigantic sprawling album -- and while each is recognizably the work of , neither feels as formulaic as . While the acoustic album would seem to be the biggest break from tradition -- not only does it have a hushed, subdued mood, but it's filled with guest stars, including several appearances by 's , a duet with on and returning the favor of 's drumming on by laying down guitar on -- both albums showcase a reinvigorated band that is eager to stretch out and experiment. As such, the album not only hits much harder than -- arguably, it rocks harder than any of their other records -- but its has fluid musicality and a new found sense of drama that gives it a nearly cinematic sense of scope. Naturally, the acoustic album is quieter, but it also has a similar flow and easy grace that makes it a fitting complement to the harder first record. Previous albums have had the problem of being a little inconsistent, both in terms of material and in terms of maintaining a consistent sound, but here, perhaps because of the focused direction of the two albums, they not only sustain a consistent mood on each record, but the songs on each are strong, hooky, and memorable. Which means that pulls off a neat trick: by stretching out, not only have expanded their sound, but they've found the core of why their music works, so they now have better songs and deliver them more effectively. It makes for certainly their most consistent, arguably their best album yet. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine