Pete Yorn has done it again. His fourth album hit stores this past Tuesday, and it’s definitely worth checking out. Although building a collection of music has it’s obstacles for musicians (mostly the fear of sounding the same), Back and Fourth manages to pull off a difficult balancing act by sounding like his first album, Musicforthemorningafter, and still moving forward.

Back and Fourth can be viewed as a journey or story, like a album should be taken. It starts off sweet and smooth with “Don’t Wanna Cry” and continues the way a story should by increasing in intensity at just the right points with songs like “Last Summer,” and concluding sweetly with “Rooftop.” It even has its high points with exceptional songs like “Paradise Cove,” “Country” and “Shotgun.” It’s the kind of album that a person can just sit and chill to, and one that is sure to bring joy to the ears and hearts of those who are listening to it.

The album is filled with an acoustic guitar, which, after a few words, opens “Don’t Wanna Cry,” and is a fitting complement to the piano and other instruments on every song. The harmonies, both of instruments and vocals, are pleasant to hear and work very well when used. The lyrics are very personal and well written, and the nice part is that he doesn’t need to say a lot to convey what he’s feeling. He doesn’t need to hide his meaning in symbolism or use big words. He’s very straight forward in what he says while still keeping passion in his songs, and that is just part of what makes this album great.

The similarities and differences between Back and Forth and Musicforthemorningafter are both pros and cons for this new album. The sound between the two is very similar, and it has the same kind of foot tapping melodies and mellow feel, but Back and Forth offers somewhat more mature vocals that still keep his raspy yet soothing sound and some smoother transitions between tracks.

The difference between the two that may pose a problem is that Back and Fourth is not nearly as varied, and some would say the variation was one of the best aspects of Musicforthemorningafter. Many of the songs on this new album sound very similar and it’s not as easy to pick out specific strong tracks, and it may seem a little repetative. Despite this lack of variety, the album’s lyrics, harmonies and catchy melodies create a desire to continue listening from start to finish, and the album still soars.

Back and Forth is an album that is surely one not to miss for fans of similar artists such as Ryan Adams and Counting Crows, or even just general alternative rock. As for longtime fans of Yorn, they may be torn between if they enjoy the album or not, or if this is still the same Pete that they fell in love with. However, many are definitely sure to enjoy it, realize that even with a few changes he’s still Pete Yorn, and continue listening to it for a long time while highly anticipating what Mr. Yorn comes up with next.

4 out of 5 stars.