At the University of Coldplay some years back, Andrew McMahon was voted most likely to succeed and, at the senior prom, performed a tune of his own called "Teenage Rockstars." Or wait: Did McMahon go to Elton John Tech? Keane A&M? One of those piano pop schools.

Wherever, it all proved prescient and prophetic. McMahon, who first established a reputation as the frontman/songwriter for the bands Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate, is now rolling comfortably along in a solo career. His latest album is "Upside Down Flowers," and if it can sound pretty derivative — hints of Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Elton and Macca also pop up — it's also true McMahon writes some damned good songs.

"Upside Down Flowers" is a very strong recording, and "Blue Vacation," "Penelope," "Monday Flowers" and "House in the Trees" are just a few highlights. It's a start-to-finish statement that offers the melodic and lyrical qualities that capture that point in a man's life where Youth is in the rearview mirror — BUT, if you roll down the window, you can still catch the warm, pleasant fragrance of the past.  

Andrew McMahon with Flor and Griz Folk, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Fox Theater, Foxwoods; $35; 1-800-200-2882.