Firecracker picks up right where Loeb's 1995 debut Tails left off, mixing relentlessly upbeat pop numbers with moody ballads tied together with her innate sense for a memorable melody. Firecracker starts particularly strong: A thumping bass line propels the rhythmic "I Do," lush string arrangements swoon behind "Falling in Love," "Truthfully" posesses the same kind of simple pop grace that made her 1994 song "Stay" a huge hit, and "Let's Forget About It" is probably the most instantly catchy song of the bunch. The rest of the record doesn't quite keep up that pace, but overall Firecracker shows Loeb clearly avoiding the "sophomore slump" curse. --Peter Blackstock