Proof that Napster works: two years ago I downloaded the Counting Crows' classic "Mr. Jones" and listened to it over and over again. So much, if fact, that by the beginning of this year I was eagerly awaiting the release of the Crows' new release, Hard Candy. I bought it the day it came out, popped it into the truck CD player, and was not disappointed.

Hard Candy is aptly named. Like a butterscotch or a creamsaver, the album begins deliciously and only gets smoother and better through the remaining tracks--ending, like a tootsie roll pop, with a sweeter surprise.

The album begins with the title track, followed by the single "American Girls." Both songs sound made-for-radio...but in a good way. Catchy hooks and help from Sheryl Crow on "Girls" make the first two songs perfect for a summer drive with the windows down.

Following these tracks, however, the album takes on a distinct "because we can" feel in the remaining tracks. While this could possibly lead to slight disappointment at times during an initial hearing, upon repeated exposure these are the songs that keep this CD in the player. Each listen brings out some nuance of note, lyric, or tone that was overlooked the time before.

These tracks provide a diversity of sound that keep the album interesting. From the soulful "Goodnight L.A." to the unique waltz-time "Butterfly in Reverse" to the synthesizer-dominated "New Frontier," each additional song adds another flavor to the album.

Just when the last strains of "Holiday in Spain" die out and you're ready to hit the "Repeat All" button on your CD player, dessert is served. A tasty hidden track cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" leaves me with my only disappointment regarding the album: no track number assigned to this remake so that I can skip right to it when I want to listen to it over and over and over, which is usually exactly what I want to do.

Hard Candy promises "13 fresh new flavors" on its cover. It serves them with flair.

Fans of Counting Crows may be interested in checking out Adam Duritz's own weblog, at adam.countingcrows.com.

[The album is billed as an "enhanced CD." The enhanced features are the video for "American Girls" and access to a "secret website."]

Available at Amazon.com.