Despite a few highlights, Hunger is a fairly undistinguished latter-day effort by Janis Ian. Part of the problem is the record is too laid-back, suffering from slick, stylized production and slight melodies. However, when Ian has a good song -- whether it's "Welcome to Acousticville" or the well-crafted "Getting over You" -- she still sounds vibrant and alive. Unfortunately, those moments arrive infrequently on Hunger.