Brilliant songwriting, acoustic and soulful sound, simple production – the trademarks of The Head and the Heart’s music. Or, at least they used to be. In the Seattle-based band’s third album, “Signs of Light,” the group still has beautifully crafted songs but with a more electronic and mainstream sound. This is a positive change, making their music more accessible to greater numbers of people.

The release of the album Sept. 9 marked a turning point for the group because it was their first time with a major record label, Warner Bros., and with producer Jay Joyce, who has worked with Cage the Elephant, Zac Brown Band and Carrie Underwood. The creation of this album stands in sharp contrast to their original one which was self-produced.

The heavier commercial focus of production led to a few changes, most noticeably in instrument choice. The folk sound that had come to characterize the band is now more pop-rock and more like other alternative groups. However, their unique spirit is still there. It is unmistakably The Head and the Heart.

Most of the tracks are an effective blend of the old artistic melodies and a new electric sound. Some stand outs are “Dreamer,” “Your Mother’s Eyes” and “Library Magic” all of which are on the softer side, perfect for relaxing fall days.“Take a Walk,” “Colors” and “False Alarm” attribute to a more upbeat sound but still have a gentle feel.

The album as a whole had an underlying message of finding the silver lining during life’s challenges. Each song contributes to the theme and none seem forced. They are all unique, composed well and entirely genuine. The uplifting theme makes the album more enjoyable to listen to

Overall “Signs of Light,” which is available on iTunes for $9.99 or for streaming on Spotify, was a success. The band’s collaboration with Jay Joyce helped them to continue to evolve musically and refine their style. Everything from the encouraging theme to the new sound seemed to come naturally, making for pleasant listening. The depth and diversity of each song ensure that there is something for everyone on this album, so don’t hesitate to check it out.