The Wallflowers - The Wallflowers

As part of the mid-'90s revival of roots-rock, the Wallflowers held a special connection to one of the original inspirations: vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Jakob Dylan. Though he is the son of a legend, Jakob's similarities to his father are occasional -- in fact, the Wallflowers are more influenced by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers than original '60s folk-rock, though lyrically, Jakob remains a close companion to the original Dylan.

The Wallflowers' eponymous debut album is a little too studied and underwritten to make much of an impression, yet there are enough promising moments to suggest that the group was capable of the lean, contemporary folk-rock that made Bringing Down the Horse such a winning record. (little boy, little boy)