AMG Review of Firecracker

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Lisa Loeb's debut, Tails, didn't always deliver on the promise of her first single, "Stay," drifting into generic alt-pop territory when it should have played up her lilting, melodic soft side. Firecracker, her second record, is a better album. For starters, it's considerably more eclectic, with a varied, textured production ranging from jangly folk-pop and pounding rockers to lush pop. There are a number of strong moments on the record that confirm Loeb is a talented melodicist.