The Smithereens know how to get your attention from the first note of a song. On their latest studio album, they retain their combination of pop vocal melodies over big crunchy guitars, but add keyboards and strings on most of the cuts. “Too Much Passion,” with its full string section and Motown-style backing vocals, could almost have been a Smokey Robinson song.

Blow Up is softer from beginning to end, much more so than their previous albums. The group seems to have traded some of their edge for a more pop sound. One song is co-written with Diane Warren, and another features a guest appearance by the Cowsills, but the pop sound has not taken over completely. Mike Mesaros’ bass alternates between insistent pounding beats and melodic runs, and the guitars are always cranked.

Overall, though, this album doesn’t have the impact of their debut, Especially for You, and never delivers the explosion implied by its title. Standout songs include “Now and Then” and “It’s Alright,” which are both very catchy. There’s some variety in the moody “Anywhere You Are,” with a jazz organ playing throughout; it shows why the Hammond will never go out of style. None of the songs ever stray too far from the theme of love gone bad, and some seem needlessly repetitive.