Counting Crows mainman Adam Duritz is in serious danger of turning into Tim Finn. That’s to say that, like the ex-Crowded House lynchpin, Duritz has started to create the kind of heartfelt, earnest music that arouses interest rather than excitement, respect rather than love.

Passion is, for the most part, conspicuous only by its absence on Hard Candy. These thirteen tracks fairly glow with MOR wholesomeness, and are enlivened only occasionally by some good old-fashioned musical kick.

‘American Girls’ is the best song here by some distance – a joyous ode to the heartbreaking beauty of American booty, complete with Beach Boys-style harmonies and a brilliantly sparky outro. ‘New Frontier’ is also stylish and funky, while ‘Holiday In Spain’ comes across as dainty and sweet.