Go back to Australia

Trying to hit the mainstream seems to be the goal these days. On his new Stop All the World Now, singer/songwriter/master looper Howie Day has tried too hard to create an album catering to the Top 40 (think U2, wait ... think U2 in the last five years).\nNot only has he added a back-up band and background vocals, but on Stop All the World Now, Day has regressed to weak chord changes, beats too poppy for his soulful lyrics and studio tracks that fail to show his talent.\nDay is known not only for being a great one-man band but also a great one-man live show. Both on his first album, Australia, and in his live performances, he uses pedals to loop his guitar riffs, beats and penetrating voice. Unfortunately, only one song on this album, "Come Lay Down," seemingly exemplifies this style.\nThough not all disappointing, Day hits hard with lyrics about love. In fact, the whole album is about that -- falling in love, falling out of love, losing love and having love lose him. Luckily for everyone, Day's heartfelt lyrics showcase his real talent -- songwriting.\nDespite being a far cry from his first album, Stop All the World Now will land Day in the hearts and ears of the mainstream.