A fantastically colorful and original effort. [5 May 2007]

Vedder effectively conjures the endless possibilities of the open road with sparse, never morose, tracks.

Joni Mitchell's first album of new material in nearly 10 years is a return to the form that made her a star.

A 62-page book and new vinyl pressing complete the package for the audiophiles and superfans, but the real value is in the album itself, an important piece of the history of a seminal '90s band.

With its cuteness and shimmying pace, the opener 'Oh No' gets your seat in the chair, while the other tracks keep you there.

Electronic music duo the Crystal Method hasn't lost its flair for funk and style as found on the act's debut release, "Vegas."

Tropical Storm should be the album that blows away fans and critics alike.

While her first effort overall carried a darker, somber tone, "It's Me Again" finds a more self-satisfied and confident Tweet embarking on a new chapter in her life, one where her brightened outlook overrides the bad and moves forward.

Malakian and SOAD drummer John Dolmayan have indeed brought something new for their fans to love--and perhaps even for non-fans as well, given the more direct and accessible nature of Scars' music.

Whether it is described as danceable rock, rock-infused dance or sinister Britpop, Kasabian has made an excellent debut album.

The strong stories that Keys spins are complemented by deft musical arrangements that integrate more rock and pop into her enriched old-school vibe.

On "The Mirror Conspiracy," the duo fine-tunes its deft merging of all things dub, electronica, and bossa nova, creating sweet and savory tracks...

RJ's solo work transcends hip-hop boundaries, and at its peak moments, is better described as much closer to soul.

Far and away the group's most determined work of its 15-year career.

Easily the most likable and listenable jazz album of 2007. [12 May 2007]

The best part of Sparro is that he's not just multiplying old styles by new sounds. Dressed like a raver B-boy, switching between Rufus Wainwright and D'Angelo, the boy's not faking it.

The upgraded melodic sense makes CSS stand out from all the other electropop bands that sound like Liquid Liquid and can turn a smutty lyric.

All for You overflows with Parliament-etched funky beats, orchestral disco flourishes, and rich bursts of sensuality.

It's prototypical Warped tour rock - but, to be fair, at the top level of that particular realm, with thoughtful lyrics and tightly crafted guitar arrangements.

Overall, the material feels more human, more honest, more assured.

Pitbull's signature combination of clever, in-your-face Spanglish lyrics and frenetic dance beats is at its best on this album, where he plays to his less excessively crude sensibilities.

By tossing some horns and a variety of dark basslines into the mix, the U.K. quintet creates intense, unique songs that are more than a sum of their influences.

Yearwood can pack more feeling into one line of a song than most artists can on an entire album, and the material on "Jasper County" gives her plenty of opportunity to work her magic. [17 Sep 2005]

Hatfield does her moody, catchy indie-pop to near-perfection after so much practice (nine solo albums during the past 16 years), and entertaining examples abound here.

Less polish and more attitude are welcome changes that fire up the rock numbers and give them more snap. [8 Oct 2005]

An impressively creative hip-hop album that will hopefully inspire West's peers to try new sonic avenues.

The result is a flawless blend of sunny pop, Motown, blues and jazz with the cleanest production in Camera Obscura's catalog.

The propulsive 11-track Horehound finds the White Stripes and Raconteurs frontman every bit as able on the drums as he is on guitar.