Last time, she sounded a little like Madonna. This time, she sounds a little more like Sheryl Crow. But that's OK. From our perspective, almost anything would be better than a sequel to the bizarre dance-pop debacle of Jewel's 2003 album 0304.

But Goodbye Alice in Wonderland -- which returns the singer-songwriter to her comfort zone of confessional troubadourism, but cranks it up slightly with a dose of lightly crunchy, slightly rootsy pop-rock -- is nothing short of a pleasant surprise.

Granted, it's still hard not to roll your eyes at a woman who refers to herself (even in jest) as a "blonde bombshell deity." But hooky, solidly rockin' cuts like Satellite, Only One Too and Words Get in the Way more than make up for any precious self-indulgence in her lyrics.

Jewel calls this her most autobiographical disc since Pieces of You; aside from a couple of the wimpier cuts, it might also be her most listenable and likeable.

Track Listing:

1. Again and Again
2. Long Slow Slide
3. Goodbye Alice in Wonderland
4. Good Day
5. Satellite
6. Only One Too
7. Words Get In the Way
8. Drive To You
9. Last Dance Rodeo
10. Fragile Heart
11. Stephenville, TX
12. Where You Are
13. 10000 Miles Away