The last time I really listened to music for an extended period was a couple of days ago. I was at the Sean Paul concert, and for several hours my ears were assailed with obnoxiously loud raps, and my friend was screaming obscenities about Notre Dame.

So, when I started listening to the new Jars of Clay CD, it was like an aural breath of fresh air. If you're into abrasive guitars and shouted vocals, Good Monsters is not the CD for you.

The album begins with "Work," a song about --well, I'm not really sure what it's about because the lyrics aren't straightforward. "Work" is easy to relate to because everybody has moments when they feel like this.

Musically, the album ranges from melodic rock to slower songs, but it all packs a punch. The band incorporates a few interesting sounds to change the songs up a bit. "Even Angels Cry" includes some unique guitar work and "Light Gives Heat" begins with high, quiet singing that continues later in the song.

The first time I heard Jars of Clay was when they released an album in 1995. Although I've heard a few songs in between now and then, Good Monsters is the first time I've come across their music in awhile.

It's been 11 years since that first song, and Good Monsters makes it clear that Jars of Clay has matured musically. The album doesn't rank as one my favorites, but it's definitely worth checking out.

Grade: A-

-- Reviewed by Lauren Bressler