Semisonic

The Minneapolis trio Semisonic is All About Chemistry with its follow-up to the platinum-selling Feeling Strangely Fine, which contained the hit single "Closing Time." The band features songwriter and guitarist Dan Wilson, bassist John Munson and drummer Jacob Slichter.\nThe first track, "Chemistry," has lyrics about how finding real chemistry between two people is a struggle and a learning experience at the same time. The energetic chorus and rhythmic drums combined with the bass really rock this song along.\n"Bed" speaks of a broken relationship with the man trying to make his ex jealous by sleeping with others. This song moves smoothly with its synthesizers and heavy bass and drums and Wilson's clear vocals.\nPut on a mask and act as if everything is all right is what the voice of "Act Naturally" tells his girl to do. The soulful lead vocals blend nicely with the synthesizers and soft drums making this piece smooth and easy to listen to.\n"She's Got My Number" is a song of longing. The song is sad yet hopeful. Musically, the song's synthesizers and keyboards carry the song with Wilson's vocals serving as a storyteller but not adding anything.\nAnother standout track, "Sunshine & Chocolate," tells the tale of an unforgettable one-night stand. The song is faster paced than some of the other tracks with heavy drums and bass and the guitar slowing the pace down just when it seems about ready to lose control. The vocals are energetically delivered creating a sound different from Semisonic's usual.\n"Whose Stopping You?" sounds similar to the Beatles, while "I Wish" is reminiscent of Semisonic's "Closing Time," each with the group's personal touches added to create original sounds. "One True Love," co-written by Carole King, with King on background vocals and electronic keyboard, is definitely worth listening to.\nIf only the two bonus tracks available with the CD's UK release were available on the U.S. release. Musically, this album is a treat to listen to, and the CD cover design itself is fun, organized like the periodic table of elements with "figures" instead of tracks. This is a great CD.