Having recently turned 70, Ian Hunter embraces a certain familiarity on Man Overboard, which picks up where 2007's Shrunken Heads left off. Quickly getting back in the studio after Shrunken, Hunter was able to revisit the Heads experience before the vibe wore off. Most of the band from those sessions is back, including veteran drummer Steve Holley and guitarist James Mastro. Mixing ballads and rockers, Overboard's overall sound is rather light. Hunter's marvelous sense of humor is evident, especially on the opening "Great Escape." And "Girl From the Office" is one of the funniest songs he's ever written. Even though the songs might be funny, it doesn't mean they're not serious. They're crafted in such a way that it may take a hypnotist to erase the melodies from your head. The title track is signature Hunter, easily measuring up to any piece of poetry his hero Bob Dylan has written recently, and "Win It All" and "Way With Words" are both inspiring. — Karen Laney
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