Vertical Horizon
's major-label debut,
Everything You Want
, finds the band strengthening their acoustic jam rock with prominent electric guitars, anthemic hooks, and a clean radio-ready production that brings them in line with the likes of
the Wallflowers
. Some longtime fans may find this sonic switch-up a little disconcerting, and it is true that the music on
doesn't always flow as easily as it did on their indie records, but it does illustrate
's growth as a band and its best moments show that they're capable of writing a pop hook as easily as
Sister Hazel
. Granted, that may not be where the group wants to be, but with a production as polished as this, radio play is clearly a concern. It's to
's credit that they're usually able to balance the radio single with the calmer acoustic jams that won them a cult following in the first place. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine