We’ve long since known what to expect from a Barenaked Ladies record: upbeat, life-affirming ditties with founder/singer Ed Robertson’s verbose take on topics. That’s taken to the utmost on their umpteenth album, In Flight.
Barenaked Ladies are decidedly ‘up with life’, starting with Flight’s standout opener/single “Lovin’ Life”, that does what they’ve done so well since long before “One Week” ago. Unfortunately, none of the rest of the tracks match “Life”, but there are still sweet takes on not having “Enough Time”, getting older in “What Do We Need”, parenting with “Fifty For a While”, and more. And the band does get a little too much into their own thoughts on things that matter (perhaps just to) them, from Kevin Hearn’s written songs on Toronto’s CN Tower (“See the Tower”) to his hometown’s “The Peace Lady” – even one where Robertson seems to sort of reject canceling people over things said in the past, “Too Old”.
So, if you like the Barenaked Ladies, be happy that they’re still around and they’re still being happy & In Flight.
