The second album by Secondhand Serenade, aka singer/songwriter John Vesely, finds the former solo artist making a grab for the pop-emo brass ring. Featuring production by (separately) Avril Lavigne and All-American Rejects knob twiddler Butch Walker and former Nine Inch Nails member Danny Lohner, not to mention full-band re-recordings of two of the debut's strongest songs, A Twist in My Story is an unapologetic mainstream alternative pop album. The more grandiose arrangements add strings, layered harmonies, and other arrangement details to Vesely's songwriting style. (He has explained the band name by saying that his songs are all dedicated to his wife, and the fact that others get to hear them is secondary: hence, Secondhand Serenade.) The result is an alt-pop record comparable to the likes of Five for Fighting or even the mellow Jason Mraz. [A Deluxe Edition was also released.] ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide