THESE "KIDS" ARE MORE THAN ALRIGHT

Three years and change following the release of "When The World Comes Down" The All-American Rejects are back with what is, to these ears, the most impressive blossoming of their sound yet. This foursome's cohesion and willingness to experiment outside the pop music bubble has yielded inspired results. Tyson Ritter's star turn as rock 'n' roll rogue on "Beekeeper's Daughter" gives you a clear idea that this album shouldn't be filed squarely under "music for the masses". It's the coming out party for keyboards with the title track. It wouldn't have sounded out of place in the '80s or, believe it or not, as a cut lifted off of a Coldplay CD. This is one title track that embraces its role as jewel in the album's crown. "Affection" is flat out purdy. Not only that the female-worshipping theme is in full throttle. Lyrics such as "what you don't do makes a man come" bear witness to that. Nick Wheeler's fretwork is as sharp as the hell mentioned in one of the Rejects previous hits. The jaunty "Fast and Slow" explores a cerebral dude smart enough to know sexuality has a definite rhythm method. She races along. He slows down long enough to smell her rose. The Rejects' rise through superstardom has been heavenly to hear. "Kids In The Street" stands out as its best work to date.