Who hasn’t blasted the likes of “Mr. Jones” or “Hangin’ Around” on their car stereo while driving down the road with friends? For many of us, Counting Crows is a familiar sound we’ve all grown up with, and their new CD, titled Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings, builds on the old to provide something brand new.

The latest album by one of our childhood favorites continues in the direction of their hit song “Accidentally in Love” to provide a sound with more hard rock roots than the traditionally acoustic sound. The album starts off with “1492,” featuring an electric guitar and drum solo intro, a sound not quite expected by the typical Counting Crows fan. Building on this newfound style, the album goes on with the likes of “Insignificant” and “Cowboys,” which feature a similar fast beat and electric sound. A synthesized intro is even featured in “Anyone But You,” creating an interesting contrast to the remainder of the mostly traditional, simplistic song structures.

For those of us that long for the soothing acoustic sounds of our childhood summers, the album features several tributes to the band’s roots through the piano-heavy “On A Tuesday in Amsterdam Long Ago” and the haunting melody of “Le Ballet D’Or.” There is a markedly slower slant to some of the songs, with a balance to the fast-paced being equalized by the slower paced “Washington Square” and “When I Dream of Michelangelo.”

Some of my favorites on the album are those that combine the new with the old, building on their foundations and spicing them up with a new twist. “Hanging Tree” and “Sundays” give a mix of acoustic, pop, a hint of rock, and a dash of piano to make these big draws for all listeners.

Whether by the eclectic song style or smattering of song titles, featuring references to LA, New York, and a variety of European cities, Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings offers a little something for everyone. A fan of the classic jams? Longing for something new from an old favorite? This album has it all. Although it may take a few listens to ease into the new musical approach, you’ll soon find yourself appreciating the new style and getting lost again in the voice of Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows.