Prefab Sprout have written some of the most swoonsomely beautiful pop songs known to man, but latterly the prolific Paddy McAloon has been keeping himself busy and maintaining the cash flow by penning songs for other artists and TV themes, while staying well out of the limelight, as is his semi-reclusive wont.

The thought of a new Prefab Sprout album is enough to make the heart leap, but you get a sinking feeling as soon as you hear the lead track and single ‘Cowboy Dreams’ which, as we all unfortunately recall, was written for Jimmy Nail.

It’s all an uphill struggle from there. It does get better, but not good enough by their standards. Paddy’s tried to construct an album with a western theme, using bits and bobs like the epic but aimless ‘The Gunman,’ (written originally for Cher). ‘Streets Of Laredo’ has a nice Blue Nile keyboard haze here and there but the arrangement is otherwise uncomfortably cluttered, ‘Love Will Find Someone For You’ has the makings of one of Prefab’s bittersweet heartbreakers, but lacks the bitterness and bruises, leaving only saccharine floss, and ‘Cornfield Ablaze’ is quirky enough to be notable, but isn’t moving enough to have much impact. Overall, the tunes are okay, but lacking the usual winsome magic and melodic sweep.

The album sticks to Prefab Sprout’s patented lushly synthesised production values, but given the country flavour, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to hope for something a little rougher, more minimal, or even an acoustic album. I know that’s not what McAloon does, but that’s why it would have been so interesting. Maybe next time. I wouldn’t give up on talent of this calibre just yet.