After a three-year hiatus, Train is back on the rails with the release of their latest album, Save Me, San Francisco. The album dropped Oct. 27 and has since been featured on the top-10 album releases on iTunes. “Hey, Soul Sister” was released in early August and peaked at No. 56 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100 and No. 14 on the Adult Top 40. Unfortunately, for those looking for a repeat of shower singing-ability heard from Train’s famous hits “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” and “Calling all Angels,” listeners will find slim pickings among the album’s 12 tracks.

The band took a break after 2006 to spend more time with family. Their newest album is an attempt to go back to their roots — the album was named after their city of origin, San Francisco. The only song that references San Francisco is the song that shares the album’s title. The album is mostly made up of relationship songs, with lyrics like “You’re the best book I ever read/You’re the smartest thing I ever said/You’re breakfast in bed.” Man, these guys can rhyme. Roots and rhymes aside, here’s the rundown on the album’s 12 tracks.

The title song, “Save Me, San Francisco,” offers a bouncy guitar tune with the accompaniment of a classic piano riff. The song’s beat is consistent throughout the song, and overall the tune is not too bad considering it’s a title song. It’s a shame that I can’t like it more. The same goes for “I Got You,” which starts off with some weird voice distortion and echo effect. Besides the strange, unrelated beginning, the song settles into a fun pattern with a chorus of “I got you.” It is yet another relationship song, but this time with the addition of some Southern-twinged lyrics. Is it worth the money? I’ll give it a hesitant maybe.

“Parachute” presents more of a rock sound, rather than the folksy tunes we heard on the previous three songs, as does “If It’s Love,” which has a unique and interesting guitar part. “You Already Know” has a harsher rock melody, giving the album a refreshing sound from the folksier lovey-dovey songs. I like consistency in an album, and the random mixture of old and new sound throws me off. The song is pretty decent, regardless.

Though many songs are about relationships, “This Ain’t Goodbye” and “Brick by Brick” are the closest things you will get to ballads on this CD. Regrettably, “This Ain’t Goodbye” is a big yawn for me, yet “Brick by Brick” is one of the better relationship songs with sensual lyrics.
“Words” sends an encouraging message with a unique melody with lyrics like “Words, they’ll try to shake you/Don’t let them break you.” The song is an interesting addition to the album and is perfect for if you’re ever feeling down and need some inspiration.

“Breakfast in Bed” and “Marry Me” are low key songs. The former has a chill melody that floats along with Pat Monahan’s relaxed vocals, and is actually kind of ingratiating after a few plays.

“Hey, Soul Sister” is the album’s most promising tune. The song is easy on the ears with the pleasant croon of Pat Monahan about his muse, the Soul Sister.

Those looking for a repeat of such hits “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” and “Calling All Angels” will no doubt be disappointed by the lack of catchy material on this album. As of now, the only song I recommend getting is “Hey, Soul Sister.” The album is perfect if you want to fall asleep at night, but not if you are looking for an awesome way to start the weekend. Train takes us on the rails, but leaves us at the wrong stop.