Ursa Major (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Whether it was years of writer’s block or simply a longer-than- planned vacation, the six years between albums for San Francisco’s Third Eye Blind find them in a world not much changed. The band’s punchy hooks jump out of the boombox with the same urgency as when “Semi-Charmed Life” took over modern rock radio stations with its shameless hooks. Third Eye Blind singer Stephan Jenkins knows it’s called “pop” music for a reason and he does his best to keep things jumping on this “comeback” of sorts. “Can You Take Me,” “Don’t Believe a Word” with its fake close, and “Bonfire” come out racing as if they’re afraid they’re going to blow another deadline. When Jenkins does slow things down for serious contemplation, the results are a little less decided. “Dao of St. Paul” and “Monotov’s Private Opera” stretch themselves for a self-importance that isn’t as endearing as the band’s best pop moments. Third Eye Blind are a radio band and should be heard as such.