Recently I wrote an extremely positive review of two preview singles from Best Coast’s third studio album California Nights. The singles in question (the title track, “California Nights” and shimmery ballad “Heaven Sent”) offered early glimpses behind the scenes of the band’s reformed sound. While I personally adore these two songs, the mistake I made was assuming that they offered the best of the album, which I was happily wrong about.

After the release of The Only Place, Best Coast received some criticism for not changing up it’s sound enough. With California Nights, front-woman Bethany Cosentino answers those criticisms directly while maintaining all of the band’s trademark style and originality. The whole album is without flaw from start to finish, but some highlights (aside from those mentioned above) are “Feeling Ok”, “In My Eyes”, and “Sleep Won’t Ever Come”.

“Feeling Ok” is probably one of Cosentino’s best records to date, and no other track is better suited to kick off a perfect album. “In My Eyes” is a nineties-ish, light pop-rock ballad that has an undeniable hook and a gorgeous, guitar-driven lead. “Sleep Won’t Ever Come” showcases Cosentino’s vocals better than any other track on the album, and is my personal favorite.

This album is worth the buy and boasts quality in every aspect; voice, lyrics, and production – of which all are simply outstanding. California Nights is the band’s major label debut, and where some bands are shaped into a more mainstream presence upon signing to a large company, Best Coast stays true to form and doesn’t stray from its unique roots and sound.