It’s always hard to unwrap the shiny plastic on a new CD case and pop in the latest release from a favorite artist. Either it is totally enthralling or supremely disappointing. Jewel’s latest release, “Goodbye Alice in Wonderland,” starts off way too poppy, and it’s hard to follow Jewel’s enthusiasm through the entire album. Her writing is more personal than her last album, but it still lacks the delicate nature that her previous albums had. Songs such as “Fragile Heart” showcase her as a pop singer rather than the gifted musician she is. It’s almost too sweet to take seriously. Thankfully, Jewel has learned how to properly spell since the dance fiesta she had on 2003’s “0304.” Songs like “2 Find U,” “2 Become 1” and “U & Me= Love” made her lose much of her credibility.
“Goodbye Alice In Wonderland” is not all bad. Songs such as “Long Slow Slide” and “Where You Are” prove that Jewel is still there, hiding under layers of pop riffs and silly lyrics. With a little luck on her next album, she will come around and produce what she is more than capable of.