Crimson / Red

The immediate pop hook of “The Greatest Jewelry Thief in the World” and its lyrics of praise (which are exactly as its title insists) are the most hopeful signs a fan of Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon could ask for. McAloon’s lately been in the press more for his hearing and sight difficulties than his creative output, though it’s been pointed out that only four years have passed since Let’s Change the World with Music. Here, McAloon sounds completely unharmed by his issues and remains in a charitable and playful mood throughout for one of Prefab’s finest albums since Jordan: The Comeback. Jimmy Webb is honored with “The Songs of Danny Galway.” Bob Dylan is treasured on “Mysterious.” McAloon praises, savors, and forgets “Adolescence” in four and a half minutes. Heartbreak is addressed on “Grief Built the Taj Mahal.” Soul-selling and fellatio are handled on “Devil Came a Calling.” The lure of music in service of romantic love drives the optimistic “Billy” and supports the poetry of “The Dreamer.” Thankfully, McAloon still has time before he reaches the diminished returns that befall “The Old Magician.”