Crash Test Dummies: A Worm's Life

The members of Crash Test Dummies have never been afraid to deal in quirky/precious subject matter, while the almost self-parodically husky baritone of Brad Roberts serves as a signature sound while threatening to doom the band to novelty status. In the past, the hits ("Superman's Song," "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm") have been the product of compelling lyrics and/or arrangements, and both are sadly lacking from the band's new A Worm's Life. Roberts still sings the same way—and there are increasingly predictable songs about worms and toasters and dogs and being outlived by stupid things—but the band's goony act is wearing thin. Without a million-dollar hook (a la "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm") or a moment of compelling storytelling (a la "Superman's Song"), it's hard to imagine A Worm's Life connecting with listeners the way its two predecessors did.