By trying to mask their smart-ass humor in a big
pop
production,
the Barenaked Ladies
attempt to set themselves up for the big crossover that they nearly achieved with such past singles as
"Be My Yoko Ono"
and
"Brian Wilson."
Nothing on
Stunt
, the group's fourth studio album, is so clearly jokey (although
"Alcohol"
comes close), but they still rely on clever satire. That may irritate some listeners who would otherwise be won over by the group's increased musical skill. Never before has the band been able to pull off so many different styles, from jangly
alt-country
to loungy
bossa nova
, so well. Musically, it could convince the doubters who have written off
Barenaked Ladies
as
novelty
pranksters, but the lyrics still will stand in the way of trad-rockers predisposed to this style of music. Of course, listeners who are a little less uptight will find
to be a fine collegiate party record and one of the best albums
have released. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine