Puddle Of Mudd

The Kansas City radio-metal big shots rein in their previous leanings toward the darker stuff on this, their third album. A more pronounced reliance on the quiet-loud rites of Kurt Cobain results in a handful of singles that may not fall under the metal category but do manage to get you singing along. Then "We Don't Have To Look Back Now" opens the door to the arm-waving, lighter-raised world of heartland rock. The Cobain-isms are more fun, though, and Puddle of Mudd are smart enough to go back to that particular well pronto. Easy to like.