Indigo Girls

The latest release from the veteran folk-rock duo is heavy on the folk and light on the rock, which seems to be a trend since Amy Ray started saving her rock ’n’ roll songs for her solo efforts. These songs are all very listenable, but they definitely lean toward the mellow sounds of Emily Saliers, even the ones written by Ray. “Dairy Queen” is an exception, and “Rise Up” picks up the pace a bit, but for the most part, the ballad rules on this album. My favorite of these is Ray’s “Perfect World,” with serious lyrics that aren’t overwhelmed by the melody. Joan Osborne kicks in some guest vocals, but without reading the liner notes, it’s hard to figure out where she is—the Indigo Girls’ trademark seamless harmonies pretty much make her irrelevant.