Artist: Toad the Wet Sprocket
Title: Rings: The Acoustic Sessions (Abe's Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips
Tell me more: Toad the Wet Sprocket has released one of the first great albums of 2026, Rings: The Acoustic Sessions. The 14 tracks on Rings burst forth with new emotional and musical textures sure to please longtime fans while also serving to introduce Toad the Wet Sprocket's timeless sound to new listeners. And while the new versions here are performed by singer-guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols and bassist Dean Dinning along with 11 guest players with a battery of acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, piano, accordion, fiddle, mandolin and an array of other instruments, there is a palpable energy across the collection that draws comparisons with the band's well-recognized sonic approach.
"Something's Always Wrong" is a particularly powerful track that taps into the deepest fears that inevitably challenge us as we go through life, Phillips' stellar vocals spinning magic amidst the uptempo acoustic textures that define the new collection. Other highlights abound on the 14-track set include the poignant opener "All I Want," fiery "Woodburning," countrified "Good Intentions," stirring "Walk on the Ocean," Americana-flavored "California Wasted," bold acoustic folk rocker "Fall Down," tender gem "Transient Whales" and chilling piano-anchored title track. This is no simple "unplugged" greatest hits set, but rather stands as another high mark in Toad the Wet Sprocket's delightfully ambitious career.
Robert Kinsler
