It is a cliche to say that a long-serving band has been reborn on its latest album, but that doesn't make it any less true in the case of veteran pop rockers Cheap Trick. They haven't sounded as fresh as they do on Rockford since the '70s.

The album sets a hot pace right out of the gate with the charging Welcome to the World, and the energy level scarcely flags. In fact, the sound is a bit tougher than most of their early work, with the guitars set for extra crunch on songs like the decidely caffeinated Decaf.

While they rock, the band doesn't neglect the harmonies and melodic skills that made In Colour and Heaven Tonight classics. The band's admiration of The Beatles can be heard clearly on songs like O Claire, a tune which should also appeal to fans of ELO's work.

Rockford is a must for any Cheap Trick fan, and any lover of modern power pop -- be it Posies, Fountains of Wayne or Supergrass -- should check it out.

Track Listing:

1. Welcome to the World
2. Perfect Stranger
3. If It Takes a Lifetime
4. Come On Come On Come On
5. O Claire
6. This Time You Got It
7. Give It Away
8. One More Day
9. Every Night and Every Day
10. Dream the Night Away
11. All Those Years
12. Decaf