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Without question, Design for Living is James Reyne's happiest album. After a four-year hiatus from recording, Reyne returned with the dynamite one-two-three punch of "Wonderful Today," "Oh Oh Kimberley," and the title track, and he had never sounded lighter or more enthusiastic. This is not to say Reyne had softened his touch. His lyrics are still enigmatic, his trademark angst-ridden delivery intact. But this is an album chock-full of potential radio-friendly singles ("Nothin's Too Good for My Baby," "I Don't Get Out Much Anymore") and builds from the promise Reyne made with his early solo work. Reyne returned to the recording arena with his most accessible album to date -- and his timing couldn't have been better. A turn-of-the-millennium album that echoes the last of the carefree innocence of the 20th century. ~ Tomas Mureika
