Truth be Told

Bridge, Blues Traveler's 2001 release, was appropriate. It was definitely a stylistic return to form after their hiatus. But Bridge also brought Blues Traveler back to the world after the death of bassist Bob Sheehan and John Popper's bouts with illness. Truth be Told builds on that momentum, telescoping the veteran combo's sound, history, and experience -- both good and bad ones -- into a strong twelve-song set. There's groove here, and it's a bluesy, tour-tested one. But there are also easily accessible melodies and whip-smart lyrics.