Born Innocent

There's nothing wrong with this--indeed, much of the Proclaimers' appeal lies in their obstinate refusal to be anything other than what they are (it would be ridiculous, at this point, for them to unveil a bold new trip-hop direction). Born Innocent, then, is more of the same. The songs are built from the most basic chord structures, embellished with twanging lead guitar and delivered with the Reids' trademark harmonies; particular highlights this time round are the gleefully bitter and twisted "Hate My Love", a cover of the ancient Vogues hit "Five O'Clock World", and "There's No Doubt", a supremely graceful acceptance of middle age almost worthy of being thought of as a companion piece to "Sunshine on Leith". --Andrew Mueller