Bob James' music of the 1990s tended to have wistful and forgettable melodies, mildly funky rhythms, melodic solos full of soulful clichés, and occasional R&B-ish background vocals. The musicianship is much higher than the creativity level, and it all sounds very safe and workmanlike. Restless is typical of his output of the era, with the best moments being on the rare occasions when Michael Brecker appears and takes a raging solo. Otherwise, Restless is rather sleepy.