Personnel: Doug Derryberry (guitar); John Alagia (acoustic guitar); Kevin Salem, Mark Goldenberg (electric guitar); Oliver Kraus (strings); Daniel Clark (keyboards); Stewart Meyers (bass instrument); Matt Johnson , Brian Jones (drums); Deb Talan, Don Wilson, Rachael Yamagata, Steve Tannen, Tom Freund, Sara Watkins , Brett Dennen, The Weepies (background vocals).

By 2007's WILD HOPE, Mandy Moore had successfully completed the transition from teen-pop star to adult contemporary singer. Moore's fourth album is a confident, assured collection of mainstream pop songs, but where its predecessor, COVERAGE, contained all cover songs, WILD HOPE features all originals. Collaborative credits go to the Weepies, Lori McKenna, and Rachael Yamagata, but this is Moore's show, thanks largely to the ease and grace of her vocal performances.

The feel of the album is far removed from the dance-pop that prompted critics to list her alongside Britney Spears; instead there's a reserved, contemplative air to the album, reflected in everything from its light grooves, confessional lyrics, and polished, pristine production. "Extraordinary," the lead single, and the lightly rambling, country-tinged "Most of Me" are examples of Moore's freshly minted approach. But even given the album's grown-up sound, there is still something youthful, refreshing, and undeniably pop about Moore's music, and that combination sets WILD HOPE a cut above.

Spin (p.100) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "The tunes are catchy and heartfelt, as Moore moves from lush ballads to acoustic folk that recalls Patty Griffin."

Entertainment Weekly (p.69) - "[S]urprisingly unsappy, with the country-rock-influenced 'Latest Mistake' and "Nothing That You Are' shining brightest..." -- Grade: B