Sweetheart of the Sun, co-produced by old pal Matthew Sweet, finds The Bangles fully embracing their strengths: jangly '60s strum and gooey power pop. This means no Top 40 balladry in the "Eternal Flame" mode, which is as it should be. The band's harmonies are, of course, tight and ebullient (though in all honesty they could've been spotlighted more than they are). The music's overall sonic palette is another winner: sweeping strings, psychedelic reverb, pedal steel, etc. Always known for their good taste in covers, the band closes with a nice rendition of the Nazz nugget "Open My Eyes."