Some Girls

Juliana Hatfield's career stretches back to the late-'80s college rock band Blake Babies. Her once-promising solo career then rode the pre-riot grrrl, alterna-rock breaker that also included Belly, Throwing Muses, and the Breeders. But 1992 pretty quickly morphed into 1995, and when the post-Nirvana hangover hit, Hatfield's career moved to the curb with the empty liquor bottles. In 2000, she "returned," releasing twin albums that highlighted her ability to deliver crunchy indie rock and her staple: bright, girlishly vulnerable introspective pop.

Her latest project, Some Girls, focuses on the pop. It's Hatfield reunited with Blake Babies drummer Freda Love for a supple, enjoyable album that would be surprising, were it not for Hatfield's well-established pedigree. As is, it's clear that Hatfield benefits from Love's tight, versatile backing. "The Prettiest Girl" is the highlight, a three-minute siren song that recalls not only her '90s collegiate-pop heyday, but the dorm-room slumber parties. "Washing donuts down with beer, while someone's brushing your hair," Hatfield sings, waxing both jealous and nostalgic when she asks, "Can I be born into this?"