• Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Aug 29, 2006
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 289 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 21 out of 289

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  1. jamesnormann
    Sep 23, 2006
    9
    it is amazing that bobby is still good enough & far ahead enough to get bad reviews.
  2. sl
    Sep 28, 2006
    10
    Another brilliant album in the bob catalogue.
  3. HenryT
    Sep 28, 2006
    4
    People who rate this 10 are living in a fantasy world. His Bobness is a true living legend, no doubt, but there's nothing special here, 12 bar blues that ramble and roll but special it ain't. If this is 10 then what is Blonde on Blonde? Because Modern Times doesn't come within huey of his best recordings. There's one good track the others are just old an follk and People who rate this 10 are living in a fantasy world. His Bobness is a true living legend, no doubt, but there's nothing special here, 12 bar blues that ramble and roll but special it ain't. If this is 10 then what is Blonde on Blonde? Because Modern Times doesn't come within huey of his best recordings. There's one good track the others are just old an follk and blues stock soup. If that's what you're really after there's others that do this better. If you want 'rustic Bob' try 'Good as I've been to you', at least it has charm. Listen again without the rose glasses you'll find the number '4' pops up. Expand
  4. BenE
    Sep 3, 2006
    10
    flows perfectly from start to finish, spellbinding.
  5. BobT
    Sep 4, 2006
    10
    This a brilliant album and it exemplifies why Dylan is in a class by himself.
  6. TimR
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    best album I have heard in years, I especially liked the first 6 tracks -- I was expecting something good but not this good...buy it you won't be disappointed regardess of your thoughts on Dylan -- if you are a Dylan fan you will be overwhelmed.
  7. jackL
    Sep 7, 2006
    0
    im bringing down the ratings
  8. howdy
    Sep 8, 2006
    6
    This is an enjoyable Dylan album. A masterpiece it is not. I prefer Muddy Waters' take on Rollin' and Tumblin' to this "smooth blues" version. Too many of these songs suffer from flat arrangements and production; they are lacking in tension or drama. Many of the songs sound like the corniest moments of Love and Theft, e.g. the "Tweedle Dee." The band is a very pleasant This is an enjoyable Dylan album. A masterpiece it is not. I prefer Muddy Waters' take on Rollin' and Tumblin' to this "smooth blues" version. Too many of these songs suffer from flat arrangements and production; they are lacking in tension or drama. Many of the songs sound like the corniest moments of Love and Theft, e.g. the "Tweedle Dee." The band is a very pleasant Americana roots outfit, but where's the musical edge? While I like this album, I really don't understand the over-the-top reviews. For later period Dylan, I prefer Infidels, Time out of Mind, Oh Mercy and Love and Theft over this album. But those albums have some truly great songs. I still can't pick out one truly great song from this new album. Still like it, though. Expand
  9. JimG
    Sep 8, 2006
    9
    Dylan matures gracefully. Dylan is doing what he wants and could care less about anybodys opinion of his art. Great CD
  10. BrianM
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    There aren't enough adjectives to describe how good this album is. The Man's in amazing voice, the band is incredible....if you're not listening to this, your life is incomplete.
  11. PaulS
    Jan 6, 2007
    10
    When all is said and done this will be recognized as one of the best. He should win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
  12. TimC
    Mar 21, 2007
    6
    Lyrically, this is classic Dylan, spinning fascinating tales of the working class (even throwing in the proletariot!) but musically, the album is dead in the water. Dylan's road band come off sounding like a Vegas sidebar act, so smooth they're butter, and it makes it darn near impossible to listen to.
  13. PhilZ
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    Clearly the best of the recent trilogy along with Love & Theft and Time out of Mind. Perhaps the best work since Infidels. This is one of Dylan's top half dozen albums.
  14. Jamesk
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    C mon guys, ofc if this cd was under the name of an unknown arist he may had a average user rating 2.But c mon he is BOB DYLAN.Whatever he says is like gospel to me.Period._
  15. JanisP
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    Very enjoyable album, with the mystery and quirks of Dylan making blues even so much more interesting.
  16. CB
    Jul 8, 2007
    9
    Great, great album. Like many of his great albums, like New Morning or Slow Train Coming, starts out sounding understated and then gets better with each listening. His best since Blood on the Tracks, Desire, and Slow Train. Don't judge by the first listening; listen again. It's a sleeper. Over the hill? Man's still got the juice.
  17. KenS.
    Mar 1, 2008
    6
    Thunder On The Mountain is by far the best song on the cd. This cd was over rated. Not really up to traditional Dylan standards.
  18. DanS
    Nov 19, 2006
    9
    An excellent cd......one of my best. If there were more up tempo songs on it, like track No. 1....it'd be a 10.
  19. BurtJ
    Nov 2, 2006
    1
    Another disappointment from one of the great minds of the 60s. We should have listened to him fifty years ago when his brain was fresh and he said he had no idea why he wrote his songs.
  20. MatthewB
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    Amazing!
  21. PippoP
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    A great album from a great artist.
  22. freepilos
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    Great! Although i doubted i've heard Frank Sinatra.
  23. LindaM
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    Great timeless music!
  24. RichR
    Aug 27, 2006
    5
    Well, I haven't actually heard this yet, so I"m giving it a five, but I can't imagine that Bob's larynx (around here they pronounce it lar-nix) has recovered since his last album. At one time, in the sixties, his voice, though rough and imperfect and unorthodox as heck, was the best thing out there. Years of, what? cigarettes? have fried his voice beyond repair. Don't Well, I haven't actually heard this yet, so I"m giving it a five, but I can't imagine that Bob's larynx (around here they pronounce it lar-nix) has recovered since his last album. At one time, in the sixties, his voice, though rough and imperfect and unorthodox as heck, was the best thing out there. Years of, what? cigarettes? have fried his voice beyond repair. Don't get me wrong, please: I love him, but his voice is fried. Expand
  25. KikiG
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    Yet another late career masterpiece. An impossible blend of music history, love, lust, fire and brimstone. The songs sould truly timeless. Some could be half a century or a century old yet there is no contrivance or exercise in empty nostalgia. They are as anachranistic as they are fresh.
  26. AKish
    Aug 28, 2006
    8
    let's be realistic folks.
  27. madsl
    Aug 28, 2006
    7
    a strong effort from the veteran master! it does not contain a single moment of pure brilliance but it is definitely a cohesive album with a great sound and some of the best singing of dylan's career...now that's something!
  28. RH
    Aug 28, 2006
    2
    Heh, I agree exactly with the [Anonymous] reviewer. Desire was his last great effort and everything since is a crushing bore. I'll pass on listening to this former great mumble some nonsense over sluggish, generic rock. Another Dylan album receiving praise for no reason.
  29. geofr
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    after a couple of listens 'modern times' certainly feels like a 'major' work, residing quite comfortably within the americana 'canon' (i.e. jl hooker, h williams, m waters, s foster etc & all the other usual suspects) rather than merely reflecting it like most everyone else (including modern day 'giants' such as lucinda, g welch etc). it's art, after a couple of listens 'modern times' certainly feels like a 'major' work, residing quite comfortably within the americana 'canon' (i.e. jl hooker, h williams, m waters, s foster etc & all the other usual suspects) rather than merely reflecting it like most everyone else (including modern day 'giants' such as lucinda, g welch etc). it's art, i suppose - kinda the musical equivalent of the prose in his chronicles, vol 1. and it's simultaneously witty and profound, rocking and reflective, sensitive and cynical. his band is awesome through most of it too &, surprisingly, he's actually taken considerable care with the vocals. as important, these songs have been written with performance in mind - further adding to the repertoire for the 'never-ending tour'. Expand
  30. SimonG
    Aug 28, 2006
    7
    I have the feeling that we are dealing with the Emperor's New Clothes a little here. Whilst I *like* this a lot, be reasonable, this ain't no Blood On the Tracks or earlier. Those records changed the world. This is merely a pleasant listen from a respected bard.
  31. RichL
    Aug 29, 2006
    6
    It's his third straight mix of rambling electric blues and goofy ballads. I can't see it being held in this high regard in about ten years, but at least moments like this really illuminate how ridiculous rock criticism has gotten. The Guardian offers the most level-headed review. Modern Times is good enough music, but it doesn't even top his early 90s accoustic albums for It's his third straight mix of rambling electric blues and goofy ballads. I can't see it being held in this high regard in about ten years, but at least moments like this really illuminate how ridiculous rock criticism has gotten. The Guardian offers the most level-headed review. Modern Times is good enough music, but it doesn't even top his early 90s accoustic albums for world-weariness and musical chops (go buy World Gone Wrong right now if you're hungry for over-the-hill Dylan at his best, by the way). And they went ignored, go figure. Expand
  32. DerrickC
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    BEST ALBUM EVER in the history of music!!!
  33. joshs
    Aug 29, 2006
    8
    Modern Times is a fitting end to the trilogy, and may be the weakest of the three. Still, it's a nice, mature album from the master songwriter. His band plays well also. Not quite as good as his two prior releases, that certainly could change for me with further listening though.
  34. DanW
    Aug 29, 2006
    7
    If this is a 10, where would that put Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61? at 15? Let's get a grip, folks!
  35. LaurenC
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    As a whole this album is more complete than Love and Theft. Some of Bob Dylan's best singing and most personal introspection since Blood on the Tracks. Great album to get lost in....
  36. JimM
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Dyan's last Three albums have received universal acclaim for a reason. Dylan is on a roll. Time Out of Mind was his best album since Blood on the Tracks, Love and Theft kicked him into higher gear with rocking blues, and Modern Times tops them all. The best album of his "later years" and will stand up to many of his early classics (inlcuding the very uneven Desire RH!). Modern Times Dyan's last Three albums have received universal acclaim for a reason. Dylan is on a roll. Time Out of Mind was his best album since Blood on the Tracks, Love and Theft kicked him into higher gear with rocking blues, and Modern Times tops them all. The best album of his "later years" and will stand up to many of his early classics (inlcuding the very uneven Desire RH!). Modern Times has it all: folk, blues, jazz, rockabilly, and Dylan's voice sounds great, expressing the character of an old blues singer. Only Dylan could sing these kind of songs so well. The band is great, the sound is much better than TOOM and Love & Theft. This album is getting great reviews for a reason.. it is that good. There's no throwaway songs on here (I didn't care much for Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum on Love & Theft,, or Dirt Road Blues on TOOM, I wouldn't throw out any of the songs on Modern Times they are all great, but the opening Thunder on the Mountain, Rollin and Tumblin, Levee's gonna Break are some of the best rockin' blues you'll hear (no one else is doing this stuff!), and then there are the jazz/ballads showing his worn out voice can still deliver (When the Deal Goes Down and Not Talkin' are two more masterpieces to add to his long list) and Workingman Blues #2 is stunning. I Expand
  37. KurtA
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Dylan is the GREATEST artist ever. If PAul McCartney puts out an album this good in the next 5 years, I'l eat my words. But this tops everything since Blood on the Tracks. It remind's you of why you listen to music, why you love Dylan so much. And, YES, oh yes, he rambles.
  38. SamuelG
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Bob Dylan returns, the king is here again with a perfect album. I love it!
  39. MitchP
    Aug 31, 2006
    9
    The streak continues. Although I don't consider it the last part of a trilogy because Time Out of Mind has a different sound to it. Modern Times is more like a companion piece fo Love and Theft. I agree with one user in that it's not quite up to par with The great Trilogy of albums from the 60s. I think it's lazy criticism to compare the two "trilogies" and put them on The streak continues. Although I don't consider it the last part of a trilogy because Time Out of Mind has a different sound to it. Modern Times is more like a companion piece fo Love and Theft. I agree with one user in that it's not quite up to par with The great Trilogy of albums from the 60s. I think it's lazy criticism to compare the two "trilogies" and put them on equal level. That being said, it's a great album Expand
  40. BradP
    Aug 31, 2006
    9
    Another Dylan album - OK, it's not going to shatter us like Highway 61 or Blonde on Blonde, but this is terrific work. Dylan retreats into melodies and structures taken from the iconic folk music he loves and adds poetry as only he can. The voice is creaky, the band is as comfortable as old jeans, and references from 150 years of American songcraft echo like distant voices in deep Another Dylan album - OK, it's not going to shatter us like Highway 61 or Blonde on Blonde, but this is terrific work. Dylan retreats into melodies and structures taken from the iconic folk music he loves and adds poetry as only he can. The voice is creaky, the band is as comfortable as old jeans, and references from 150 years of American songcraft echo like distant voices in deep caverns. Since virtually no other artist manages this, it is difficult to compare except to more Dylan. He embraces the old and traditional songs as they once were - malleable scaffolds from which to project your own version of the truth as you see it, instead of stuffy museum pieces or inscrutable '78s. Interesting that more than ever, Dylan's work reflects his early influences - especially Harry Smith's 1952 Anthology of American Folk Music. Those 84 tracks loom like gargoyles on the Cathedral of Bob. Clearly an extension of the path blazed by Time Out of Mind and Love and Theft, Modern Times contains no surprises, only revelations slowly turning in your mind. No one under 50 could possibly create this stuff, and we should be grateful. Expand
  41. MattR.
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    This really is a fantastic album. There are no weak songs, and a couple are among his best. Personally, I find it more appealing than Love & Theft.
  42. IanC
    Aug 31, 2006
    8
    I think it's an amazing feat that Dylan has made an album this good nearly 50(!) years into his career, but 10? Instant classic? Among the ranks of Highway 61 Revisited and Blood on the Tracks? C'mon.
  43. LarryS
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Tim Perlich of "Now" is an idiot! A voice changes with age and this voice is well suited to the material. He was never a crooner, but that never detracted from the sincerity and immersion in his chosen material in a way shared by a few e.g. Johnny Cash. The only cynical attempt to pass anything off; is Petrich's attempt to pass himself off as a knowledgeable critic.
  44. TomS
    Sep 13, 2006
    2
    Can't see what all the fuss is about, and I LOVED Love & Theft: it had a bold, edgy, full-bodied, rockin' sound and every song is great and memorable. The people who say he hasn't done anything worthwhile since Desire are just plain mentally-defective. This one, however seems totally amorphous and the songs all tend to run into one another like one big blob of tedium. I Can't see what all the fuss is about, and I LOVED Love & Theft: it had a bold, edgy, full-bodied, rockin' sound and every song is great and memorable. The people who say he hasn't done anything worthwhile since Desire are just plain mentally-defective. This one, however seems totally amorphous and the songs all tend to run into one another like one big blob of tedium. I love Bob so I'll continue to give it another chance from time to time but at this point it seems to me the flood of rave reviews is just desperation for something, ANYTHING of substance, which in the current pure drivel-inclined musical climate, is understandable. Expand
  45. aurelios
    Sep 14, 2006
    9
    muy bueno , mejora con cada escucha, sin rabia sesentera pero se degusta como un vino de reserva, saboreando cada detalle.no tiene un 10 porque sino que ¿le pondriamos a blonde on blonde?.
  46. SethR
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    awesome. dylan at his finest. 10 GREAT songs!
  47. KenG
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    The depth and breadth of artistry evident in this disc is astounding. How many more years can he keep this up?
  48. emiliog
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Lo mejor de Dylan en los últimos años. Un placer escuchar el disco
  49. sbsb
    Nov 12, 2007
    9
    Not the greatest work of Dylan, but certainly a very good album. Dylan never gets old.
  50. AlexS
    Jan 13, 2007
    1
    I dun get y dis bitch is all popular. He sux and he's uglieee!!!
  51. MikeL
    Jan 29, 2007
    6
    A disappointment. Bob croaks some not very memorable songs you will easily forget unlike any of your favorites from the last 4 decades with only a few flashes of the old brilliance in the lyric department defering to spoon and June rhymes croaky murmured vocals and fillers like a 6 minute Rollin and Tumblin done better by others- on recent albums there would be a couple of songs of jaw A disappointment. Bob croaks some not very memorable songs you will easily forget unlike any of your favorites from the last 4 decades with only a few flashes of the old brilliance in the lyric department defering to spoon and June rhymes croaky murmured vocals and fillers like a 6 minute Rollin and Tumblin done better by others- on recent albums there would be a couple of songs of jaw dropping brillance. Almost a couple times but now wow here.. He's rockin'-in his rocking chair.Wish I bought Clapton and JJ Cale. Expand
  52. DavidG
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    giving dylan a 10 is only because for at least the last 20 years (more) dylan has been addressing a bible based truth that being he is the spokeman for yahweh concerning his bride and her relation with the marriage of god and his people(us)we being the bride for instance jokerman is humanity not .dylan. the waitess in time out of mind again is the bride. enough said i hope you replay some giving dylan a 10 is only because for at least the last 20 years (more) dylan has been addressing a bible based truth that being he is the spokeman for yahweh concerning his bride and her relation with the marriage of god and his people(us)we being the bride for instance jokerman is humanity not .dylan. the waitess in time out of mind again is the bride. enough said i hope you replay some albums , oh the gar dener in 'not talkin' is Jesus... Expand
  53. Sarah
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    This is an incredible, incredible album. Workingman's Blues #2 might just be my new favorite song. Anyone who thinks Dylan can't sing should listen to this. I can't believe some people gave it such a bad rating...Dylan is truly incredible. The songwriting is amazing...deals with everything from God to sucking milk out of cows. Amaaaaaaaaaaizingggggggggggggg.
  54. SharonD
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    Another brilliant album from rock's greatest songwriter. I am sick of all these idiots who want to keep Bob frozen in the 1960's. You all need to grow up (and wake up). Older artists can be as relevant and emotionally moving as the younger ones, maybe even more so. It's called experience, which one can only gain with age. People place too much emphasis on youth over Another brilliant album from rock's greatest songwriter. I am sick of all these idiots who want to keep Bob frozen in the 1960's. You all need to grow up (and wake up). Older artists can be as relevant and emotionally moving as the younger ones, maybe even more so. It's called experience, which one can only gain with age. People place too much emphasis on youth over experience in American culture. It's great artists like Dylan who provide an antidote to this stupid notion. Expand
  55. ReubenF
    Dec 18, 2006
    7
    A sentimental favourite for Bob Dylan fans who can rejoice that this album represents an excellent return to form. However, in my opinion it does not deserve to be in the top 10 for the year.
  56. Sep 7, 2010
    9
    Not as great as Love and Theft, but Modern Times is a hell of a record. Dylan continues to let us know that he is back; quite a fun album. The times may be a changing but Bobby manages to stay his brilliant self
  57. Jan 29, 2014
    9
    An accessible record with master class song-writing, Dylan has never failed at writing a great song. His vocals are painfully gruff, and commands your attention with each track. It's a patient listen, took me a few times to really feel it, and delve my way through each track.

    All In All, Modern Times is a great record, and another one of Dylan's masterpieces. A-
  58. Jul 15, 2011
    8
    Bought this album while living in California. Every time "Spirit on the Water" comes on, I'm taken right back to those highways that flow into San Francisco Bay. From beginning to end, this is what you've come to love about Dylan. His homage to earlier music is dead on and some of these gems could have been pulled from the 1920s. "Workingman Blues #2" is another highlight and "Ain'tBought this album while living in California. Every time "Spirit on the Water" comes on, I'm taken right back to those highways that flow into San Francisco Bay. From beginning to end, this is what you've come to love about Dylan. His homage to earlier music is dead on and some of these gems could have been pulled from the 1920s. "Workingman Blues #2" is another highlight and "Ain't Talkin'" is already being hailed as another great Dylan work. Pick it up. Expand
  59. Nov 28, 2017
    9
    The song "Spirit on the Water" says everything about what this album is - "You think I'm over the hill, You think I'm past my prime, Let me see what you got..." Dylan emphatically proves he's still got plenty in the locker here. Following on strongly from "Love and Theft", this is up there with the master songwriters best work from the last 30 years. 10 tracks of the highest calibre andThe song "Spirit on the Water" says everything about what this album is - "You think I'm over the hill, You think I'm past my prime, Let me see what you got..." Dylan emphatically proves he's still got plenty in the locker here. Following on strongly from "Love and Theft", this is up there with the master songwriters best work from the last 30 years. 10 tracks of the highest calibre and country blues at it's best. His vocals are surprisingly good as an extra bonus on this and the backing band he has here play a stormer as well. For me, this is the last great album Dylan has produced and the last essential one. Expand
  60. Apr 26, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In creating 'Modern Times' Dylan has drawn upon traditional American music and has created a conservative album similar to his two previous studio albums. Despite misgivings that may arise from Dylan fanatics who have yet to hear the album and fear that its preservative nature renders the album irrelevant or worst of all boring, it takes just one listen to disprove this. 'Modern Times' is an attempt to make an observation about the state of the current world (hence the title) without making any specific references (except for the infamous mention of Alicia Keys in the opening track that says more about the 64 year old's music from his zenith era than it does of Keys and contemporary popular music ) to society. The lyrics are typical of Dylan in that they are cerebral and in fused with religious themes. However this album is not the mind bender of Dylan's landmark 1965-1966 albums and the lyrics and tunes are more simplistic. The relative simplicity of the lyrics makes this album more commercially appealing than a majority of Dylan's former albums but this doesn't mean that the lyrics have been dumbed down for the sake of a cheap and easy sell to the masses. Instead this means that the album is more accessible than is common with Dylan recordings and that the messages have merely been sugarcoated. Of course not all of the songs on this album detail Dylan's impressions of the world. This album is a combination of songs that are a loose commentary on the world ('Thunder on the Mountain', 'Workingman's Blues #2', 'The Levee's Gonna Break' and 'Ain't Talkin'), songs about relationships ('Spirit on the Water', 'Someday Baby'), a combination of both ('Rollin' and Tumblin', 'Nettie Moore') and a theme that must be close to Dylan's heart at the time of recording; aging and death (Beyond the Horizon). Although all of these themes seem to be entwined with one another across the album particular songs give particualy themes more prevalence than others.The affect that the album impresses upon the listener is that it is expertly done.The tone, the spirit, the singing, the music and above all the lyrics are as engaging and exciting as some of the man's best work.

    My rating: A+ (Perfection)

    Strongest song: Workingman's Blues #2
    Weakest song: When the Deal Goes Down
    Expand
  61. Aug 2, 2013
    10
    The best Dylan album of the 2000s and possibly the best of his career so far. I prefer listening to it on vinyl, Spirit on the Water sounds a completely different song when on vinyl.
  62. Oct 17, 2022
    7
    Third in his successful late career renaissance this controversially constructed album sits comfortably amongst his '97 landmark time out of mind and its '01 sequel love and theft. Its bluesy balladry makes it some of his easiest work to listen to. Cited as a wholly self penned masterpiece questions of credit arose in reference to lyrics and melody which legally were nil and void due toThird in his successful late career renaissance this controversially constructed album sits comfortably amongst his '97 landmark time out of mind and its '01 sequel love and theft. Its bluesy balladry makes it some of his easiest work to listen to. Cited as a wholly self penned masterpiece questions of credit arose in reference to lyrics and melody which legally were nil and void due to the age of the original work. This doesn't tarnish this album though. Modern Times like a wise grandfather talking to his grandchildren, at times exciting, at time depressing, but always undeniably impressive while still not cool. Dylan's most impressive quality is his acceptance of his place as a senior statesman in music whose goal seem to be about maintaining quality as opposed to creating a new energy. Therefore this is not his best record, nor is it attempting to be, but the kids none-the-less would be wise to listen Expand
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Uncut
    100
    Love And Theft was quite unlike any other pop album--apart, that is, from Modern Times, its direct and audacious sequel. [Sep 2006, p.72]
  2. Intriguing, immediate, and quietly epic, Modern Times must rank among Dylan's finest albums.
  3. It's hard to hear Modern Times' music over the inevitable standing ovation and the thuds of middle-aged critics swooning in awe. When you do, you find something not unlike its predecessor, Love and Theft.