On the Spin Doctors third album, You've Got To Believe In Something, the Spin Doctors extend their reach beyond the funky upbeat pop which made them famous, yet never quite lose their trademark feel. Taking a cue from the most famous doctor of all time - Frankenstein - the four musical mad scientists mate the body of their core sound with bits and pieces of diverse genres.
The title track, first on the album, is no exception. A light, upbeat tune, it has a strong charismatic gospel-music feel. The sound normalizes somewhat with "House," an alternative pop tune in the classic Spin Doctors vein, then mellows in "Dogs on a Doe," a slow song with a classical-guitar sound. The first side concludes with three songs of dysfunctional relationships and lost love, "I Can't Believe You're Still With Her," "She Used To Be Mine," and "She's Not You." Throughout the trio, the tone progresses from one of upbeat disbelief to mellow sadness.
"To Make Me Blue," an edgy number with a strong traditional Spin Doctors sound continues Something, which then drops into a bluesy groove with "'Bout a Train." Softening slightly for "Where Angels Fear To Tread," the band slides dangerously close to mainstream alternative blandness, but recovery comes quickly with "If Wishes Were Horses," a solid rock-n-roll song. The band returns to form on "Sister Sisyphus," which should please fans hoping for another "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong."
The album ends up with a song that comes as both a surprise and a real treat. The Doctors provide the instrumental backup for rapper Biz Markee's seemingly tone-deaf lyrics on a rollicking rendition of the disco hit "That's The Way I Like It." Those who remember the seventies will find it danceable, and those who don't should at least be amused - particularly by Markee's pleading with the Spin Doctors to cease their kazoo-playing after the track ends.
The Spin Doctors walk a fine line on this album, and deliver enough continuity to not alienate their core fanbase, along with the experimentation needed to attract new listeners. Steering a steady course that reduces the potential for either tremendous success or crushing failure, they deliver a solid recording ideal for play at parties and during recreation, with some nice twists and turns.
