It's hard to picture {\power pop} masters {$the Raspberries} without singer {$Eric Carmen}, but that's exactly what happened to the group during the early 21st century. After an attempt at a reunion (with {$Carmen}) failed to materialize during the late '90s, the other {$Raspberries} -- original member/guitarist {$Wally Bryson}, plus latter-day members {$Scott McCarl} (guitar) and {$Dave Smalley} (bass) -- decided to go through with a reunion despite {$Carmen}'s non-participation. Filling in the gaps in the studio were Los Angeles-based session man {$Brian Barham} on keyboards and {$the Tearaways}' {$Jesse Benenati} on drums, which resulted in the first all-new studio recording credited to {$the Raspberries} in 26 years, 2000's {^Refreshed}. Wisely not straying far from the group's original sound (a perfect blend of {\pop} melody and riff {\rock}), the trio successfully resuscitates the classic {$Raspberries} sound over six tracks. With the songwriting credits equally distributed between all three members, {^Refreshed} shows that {$Carmen} wasn't the only talent in the band. That said, you can't help but think what the tracks would have sounded like if {$Carmen} was in on the fun as well. Highlights include the {$Beatlesque} {&"When Is Your Dream?,"} the up-tempo {&"Pop Teasers,"} and the obligatory love song, {&"Someone Like You."} {^Refreshed} is a fine little memento for longtime fans who wondered what {$the Raspberries} would sound like in the 21st century. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide