When considering the Wallflowers, it's almost too easy to refer to the bizarre genetic accident that has befallen Jakob Dylan, son of Bob. Fortunately for him, he appears not to have inherited his father’s crumpled, imperfect looks. Instead, he sports the symmetric, excruciatingly photogenic looks of a latter-day Adonis. On the other hand, it also seems that Jakob has also not inherited his father’s flair for crafting a heart-stopping hit.
Still, this latter affliction hasn’t stopped the Wallflowers from becoming a platinum-selling MTV staple. Jakob’s smooth, unlined face might suggest otherwise, but the Wallflowers’ fifth studio album indicates that this is a man who has done quite a bit of living and thinking in his own time.
Granted, young Dylan’s often soulless voice and reliable MOR hooks contradict this notion, yet there is much to like in this album. As always, Wallflowers are at their most comfortable while dealing with time-honoured rock, and Rebel, Sweetheart is built upon a sturdy selection of grown-up, sombre rock tunes.
There’s little escaping the fact that Rebel, Sweetheart bears the hallmarks of Springsteen at his most inoffensive and dependable. That said, ‘We’re Already There’ is a moody, nicely weighty work, while ‘How Far You’ve Come’ boasts an appealing jazzy lilt that might befit the likes of Norah Jones.
He might not be a chip off the old block, but it looks as though Jakob is slowly gaining ground on his father. Hell, even that album title would probably make the old man proud.