It's sure to be the first big release of 2001, but not much else is predictable about the new Dave Matthews Band CD, “Everyday,” in stores today.

        Even the cover's different. For the first time since the DMB graduated from the college circuit in the early '90s to stadium-filling mainstream success, the band's picture is on a CD cover.

        But it's a pretty glum bunch of millionaires in that muted black-and-white photo. The themes this time are darker; the music, co-written by first-call producer/collaborator Glen Ballard (Jagged Little Pill) carries more of an edge.

        The first single, “I Did It,” opens the 12-song set with slashing, electric guitar, a long way from the DMB's patented acoustic guitar-sax-violin blend.

        The lyrics are heavier as well, a confession of drug-tinged passivity, “I didn't do a single thing to change the ugly ways of the world.” It ends on a brighter note, with a sort of “all you need is love” message.

        “When the World Ends” moves back to more typical DMB territory. It's a slinky tale of apocalypse and finding comfort in a lover's arms. “When the world ends, we'll be sweet making love.”

        “The Space Between,” continues that theme. “The space between the tears we cry is the laugh that keeps us coming back for more.” Love, he believes, will keep us “safe from the pain.” The sound works with the lyrics, contrasting a grinding, distorted guitar with a clear, ringing keyboard.

        “Dreams of Our Fathers” is about being trapped in the patterns of our parents. “I don't believe this flavor in my mouth is from my tongue alone.”

        “So Right” is another expansion of the DMB sound, a driving hippie-funk cocktail that, come summer, should keep the lawns of America's amphitheaters packed with happy dancers.

        “Angel” moves to a sweet soul groove, with lazy rhythm guitar and LeRoi Moore's syrupy sax.

        “Sleep to Dream Her” is a beautiful, Brazilian-tinged ballad that again reinvents the DMB sound.

        “Mother Father” finds Carlos Santana paying Mr. Matthews back for his Supernatural contribution. Reminiscent of Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” in its yearning, spiritual quality, it's an ideal vehicle for Mr. Santana's soaring guitar.

        “Everyday” closes the disc, returning to the “All you need is love” theme (he even sings that line in the bridge). With Southern gospel overtones, “Everyday” is a hopeful song about redemptive love. “Pick me up love, from the bottom up on to the top.”

        There's a thin line between a groove and a rut. With Everyday, Mr. Matthews and company freshen their sound with new grooves and dig a little deeper lyrically. It's a different DMB album, but one that won't alienate old-school fans. This one's going to be huge, with a tour to match.

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