Autopilot

Autopilot finds the Samples treading water a bit. The music maintains the same distinct sound, but is often too similar to their debut. Two records after The Samples, the band has not discovered any new territory. While an enjoyable album, it is missing that exciting feeling of innovation that characterized their first CD. The lyrics are often their point of failure. 'As Tears Fall' is a touching song but clichéd lyrics like 'If you need water, I'm your rain/If you need fire, I'm your flame' don't compare favorably to those in, say, 'Feel Us Shaking.' (And Autopilot includes yet another song written for Kurt Cobain, 'Weight of the World,' though it is not clear if the band even knew him.) For the best of the Samples, their self-titled debut is still the one. The highlight of the CD, and the reason to buy it, is definitely the appearance by Boyd Tinsley of Dave Matthews Band who adds his violin to the song 'Buffalo Herds & Windmills.' The Samples simply coast along on autopilot on this release. ~JT Griffith, All Music Group