Long-time IG fans (including me) concerned about the break from the traditional IG sound represented to some extent by "Swamp Ophelia" and carried much farther by "Shaming of the Sun" needn't be -- "Come on Now Social" marks the Girls' return to top form. Gone indeed are the two voices/two guitars sounds of "Strange Fire" and "Indigo Girls," but what's here in "Come on Now Social" is simply different from the early albums, and far from a disappointment. The album takes off with the hard-rocking (and quite satisfying) "Go," but follows up with the gentler "Soon Be to Nothing" and the fresh and delightful "Gone Again." Other tracks are equally enjoyable, including the lush, horn-enhanced sound of "Peace Tonight" and the edgy, Celtic-influenced "Faye Tucker." What's perhaps most comforting to an old-time fan like me is that Amy Ray and Emily Saliers don't seem to be pulling apart here like they did in their last two studio albums, drifting in different directions -- Amy into the gritty, angst-filled, hard-edged songs, Emily farther into the contemplative, softer sound. This album feels far more unified, with some refreshing "role reversal" -- Amy playing it softer in "Gone Again" and "Sister," Emily taking the "hard road" in "Trouble." After listening to "Come on Now Social," I no longer feel like I have to pull out "Rites of Passage" or "indigo Girls" to find an IG sound I like. The current album puts them on solid, united ground once again. The sound may be more layered and far more instrument heavy than their first four studio albums, but the IG soul is still there. Fear not.

After a disappointing concert in Waterloo, NJ this August and a disappointing last album (Shaming of the Sun)I admit that I was a bit leary to buy this album. It was only after hearing so many wonderful things about it that I broke down and picked it up. Needless to say, this album renewed my faith in the amazing work that Amy and Emily produce. Come On Now Social is a potpourri of stylings from Bluegrass (Gone Again), to rock (Go), to the familiar Indigo folk that we all know and love (Andy, Soon to be Nothing). And although I don't forsee any radio hits, there will surely be many fan favorites. I guess one of the charms of the Indigo Girls is that they don't sell out and rely on radio (over)play. I also want to make mention of a hauntingly beautiful hidden track at the end of the disc. I didn't even know it was there at first and it should have been included on the playlist, but I will admit that it was fun to discover it later. I give this CD 4 stars instead of 5 simply because the harmonies aren't as tight and together as usual, and it's much more obvious than on previous albums, what is Amy's and what is Emily's, but as a whole, Come On Now Social is a wonderfully crafted album and definitely worth owning.

Well.

I must say I'm not in the least bit disappointed. This CD hasn't left my stereo, nor has the tape left my car stereo, since I got them. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers continue to branch out and evolve with breathtaking ease and skill. CONS picks up on where "Shaming of the Sun" left off, and improves on it vastly; the expanded instrumentation is more integrated, the musical styles more diverse, the lyrics as in-your-face and thought-provoking and intelligent as ever. Amy handles the infectiously upbeat bluegrass feel of "Gone Again" and "Ozilline" with as much ease as she does the punk-rock drive of "Compromise" and "Go." Emily, as well, proves her versatility, with contributions ranging from the lovely ballad "Soon Be to Nothing" to "Peace Tonight" and its horn-enhanced groove to the surprisingly aggressive rocker "Trouble." "Sister" is Amy at her brooding best, a haunting, visual tune; "Cold Beer and Remote Control" is Emily's lighthearted look at a slice of American society. This isn't the starkly acoustic duo of some ten years ago, but that's okay by me, because artists evolve. And if the Indigo Girls' evolution continues to produce albums as engaging and exciting as "Come On Now Social," I'll be there for the rest of the ride.

I am such a huge fan of these girls. While I truly love all the old favorites (Closer to Fine, Galileo, etc.) this album took my breath away. They have greatly broadened their range while not losing any of their appeal, or clouding their signature style. I bought this cd and stuck it in my discman as I was walking out of the store. And I ended up standing in the middle of the sidewalk unable to walk as the first track "Go" swept me off my feet. "Gone Again" put me in such a good mood that I smiled and waved at my least favorite person in the world when I saw him later that day. I'm not exaggerating here people! Buy this cd! I will admit that a couple songs (most notably "Faye Tucker") took a little getting used to, but this cd has hardly left my stereo since the day I bought it. I just saw them live, and that is an experience that all people should have once in their life. The live performance is so energetic and powerful, that it makes me very sad to have to go back to listening to them on cd. thanks, y'all.

Man, there are a few incredibly gorgeous tunes on this recording. A previous reviewer asked where the harmonies went.

Anyone who can't hear harmonies busting out all over must be on crack. I've been a fan since '86 and tired of some of their two acoustic guitars attack. I like things mixed up and this album provides it... nice production as well. Definitely one of my faves they've done.