Album by Jane Wiedlin

Tangled sits in that polished pop-rock space where everything sounds very clean and carefully assembled. The production is crisp, the guitar parts are perfectly placed, and Jane Wiedlin sounds great throughout. The vocal harmonies especially stand out, with a softness and warmth that give the album a lot of its personality.

At the same time, I found myself wishing it had a little more edge. Everything is so smooth and controlled that the album occasionally feels like it’s holding itself back from getting messy or unpredictable. Still, there are some strong melodies here, and a few songs really stand out.

“Rain on Me” is a catchy little number, with a great melody and a really good vocal from Wiedlin. The clear, subdued pop-rock sound has that late-80s sheen. There’s a sweetness to the song’s idea of wanting to be a shelter for someone going through a difficult time.

“Don’t Cry” explores similar territory, but this melodic ballad gives Wiedlin even more room to show off her vocal ability. The chorus is especially pretty, and the whole song has a warmth and tenderness that make it one of the album’s gentler moments.

“Flowers on the Battlefield” picks up the pace, with another great vocal performance and some lovely harmonies. The lyrics take a broad, humanistic approach to the subjects of war and conflict, making a plea for love to survive in a world full of hatred. The upbeat pop-rock sound makes an interesting contrast with the subject matter.

The title track, “Tangled,” is a highlight. It has a cool melody and a driving rhythm that give it more character than some of the album’s smoother songs. Wiedlin brings a little more personality to the vocal, and the chorus opens up into something genuinely anthemic. The lyrics capture the mixed emotions of being in a relationship and trying to make sense of where you stand with someone. It has the kind of hook that makes me think it could have been a hit single.

“World on Fire” takes a different approach, with a poppy, herky-jerky rhythm that brings the B-52’s to mind. There’s a playful, slightly off-kilter quality to it, but the title gives it a darker edge. It makes me picture an end-of-the-world Bonnie and Clyde.

Co-written with Cyndi Lauper, “Paper Heart” is another melodic pop song, with cool vocals and harmonies that give it plenty of warmth. There’s a sadness beneath the pretty melody, as the lyrics seem to capture a relationship that has gradually drifted apart.

“Big Rock Candy Mountain” has a distinctly Monkees-like feel, with a bright, sunny pop sound that could have come straight out of the ’60s. It’s another example of Wiedlin’s knack for catchy melodies.

“Euphoria” is a fun departure, bringing in more electronic pop alongside touches of folk instrumentation. It has the feel of a protest song about resilience, with Wiedlin’s pretty vocals giving the whole thing a bright, uplifting quality.

Overall, Tangled is a collection of pretty good pop songs. The production can feel a little dated. If you’re looking for the punk energy or sharper edge of the Go-Go’s, you won’t find much of that here. But Wiedlin is a gifted songwriter with a real ear for melody, cool vocal phrasing, and layered harmonies. There’s plenty of good pop craftsmanship here, even if I prefer a little more roughness around the edges.

Verdict: Worth a Spin

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