Drops of Jupiter

1	She's on Fire 3:50
2	I Wish You Would 4:26
3	Drops of Jupiter 4:21
4	It's About You 4:27
5	Hopeless 4:31
6	Respect 3:26
7	Let It Roll 5:00
8	Something More 4:34
9	Whipping Boy 4:27
10	Get Away 4:26
11	Mississippi 7:37

Barnes & Noble

With comparatively little fanfare, this l'il ol' band from Northern California emerged as one of the more surprising success stories of 1999 -- rising to platinum status with a debut album that split the difference between Dave Matthews-esque intricacy and Black Crowes-styled choogle. This much-anticipated follow-up adheres to a similar formula, albeit with encouraging signs of evolution, as evidenced by the title track, a dramatically soaring number that boasts a string arrangement by Paul Buckmaster, who sculpted the ambience of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." That's not to say that the quintet has lost sight of simpler pleasures: "She's on Fire" romps along on a breezy melody that recalls the heyday of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (or the band's own chart hit "Meet Virginia"). Likewise, "I Wish You Would" asserts itself with a lively, power-chord-driven melody that contrasts well with Train's usual array of acoustic instrumentation -- a bevy of which is unholstered on bucolic tunes such as "Let It Roll" and "Mississippi." Frontman Pat Monahan may not be the most original songwriter on the planet, but he does have a knack for capturing small pleasures and pains -- often, as in "Hopeless," in the same breath -- in a manner that's easy to connect with. And that, as much as anything, is what keeps Jupiter grounded right here on earth. David Sprague

All Music Guide

Although Train's singles got heavy rotation on "alternative" radio stations, there's nothing cutting-edge about the band's sophomore effort, Drops of Jupiter. Train is a classic rock wannabe band in the mold of Counting Crows, although that's not always a bad thing. In fact, the best moments on Drops of Jupiter are the most blatant rip-offs, which means the band can sound endearing even when they don't sound unique. Does the hit title track remind you of Madman Across the Water-era Elton John? Well, it's no coincidence. Paul Buckmaster, who arranged the soaring strings on much of John's best work, reprises that role here, and session keyboardist extraordinaire Chuck Leavell channels John on the piano. And when lead singer Pat Monahan sings "When I get this feeling" in "It's About You," just try not to sing "I want sexual healing" over the actual lyrics that follow. Overall, this is a safe, solid second effort from a band that knows how to write hit singles. ~ Mark Morgenstein, All Music Guide