Signs of Life 2004

If there are any complaints about Westerberg’s impassioned work with The Replacements it’s that it was uneven—brilliant songwriting interspersed with the occasional who-gives-a-rat’s-ass rocker. But as he’s aged, Westerberg has become surprisingly consistent. Building on the strength of his last few records, Folker reaches a peak with its hook-heavy, heartfelt ruminations on life and love.