Richard Thompson changed the way his audience thinks of death, divorce, motorcycles and Britney Spears, so it's hardly surprising he has written a song about the Iraq war that jars the senses.

''Dad's Gonna Kill Me'' towers over other tunes lamenting the war and stands as the brilliant centerpiece of ''Sweet Warrior,'' the latest superb album in Thompson's four-decade recording career.

''Dad'' is Baghdad, and the song is sung from the point of view of a soldier who eloquently describes the desperation, dread and slaughter that surround him. He's funny and angry but not sentimental or political (save one playful jab at Fox News), while two chilling guitar solos amplify the sense of bloody chaos.

''Sweet Warrior'' also addresses domestic affairs. There are the post-marital recriminations of ''Mr. Stupid,'' the adulterous machinations of ''Johnny's Far Away'' and the romantic flings of ''Sunset Song'' and ''She Sang Angels to Rest.'' This is Thompson in top form.

CHECK THIS OUT: ''Dad'' ranks with Thompson's best compositions, which is saying a lot. The only knock on the song is that because of its topical nature, it may soon seem dated. We can only hope.

By STEVEN WINE Associated Press Writer

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