Perhaps inspired by the alternative bands he produced (
Weezer,
Bad Religion,
Hole,
Nada Surf),
Ric Ocasek decided to return to guitar pop with
Troublizing. In many ways, its angular riffs, pulsating rhythms and catchy pop hooks echo
Ocasek's days with
the Cars, but co-producer
Billy Corgan gives the album a heavier sound that relies on guitars. Backed with a band that features former
Car Greg Hawkes,
Hole's
Melissa Auf der Maur,
Bad Religion's
Brian Baker and
Corgan,
Ocasek sounds more energetic than he has in years.
Troublizing doesn't have too many memorable songs, but its consistency and tough sound make it his best collection of songs since
Heartbeat City and his best solo album since
This Side of Paradise. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine