Lifehouse

Lifehouse

Geffen Records

Grade: A

Lifehouse is back with a self-titled compact disc and a more mellow sound.

The mellow sound may not be such a bad thing, though. After all, it is certain that most of the lyrics Ð all of which were either written or co-written by lead singer Jason Wade -- come straight from the heart.

Fans may be disappointed that there are no rock-tinged songs on their third release, such as "Spin" from 2002's "Stanley Climbfall," but the new CD opens with "Come Back Down," a mid-tempo tune that talks about breaking up and hoping that the person will realize that is where he/she belonged in the first place.

"You and Me," the current single released on the radio, is sure to be a hit among couples looking for a slow love song to share.

Sit back and listen to the powerful lyrics of songs such as "Blind" (about regretting a break-up), "Days Go By" (about living life to the fullest) and "Chapter One" (about making decisions when faced with certain situations).

The pace picks up a little with "Undone" and continues the up-tempo beat with "We'll Never Know."

Longtime fans of Lifehouse will still love the passionate sound from Jason Wade, Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. and Bryce Soderberg, but if this is the first CD for others, it might not be such a bad idea to purchase or listen to previous Lifehouse releases to get an idea of their range.

-- By Mary Lynne O'Neal, Staff Writer