A gorgeous collection of intensely quiet songs filled with lush harmonies and haunting sonic atmospherics.... rarely has the group sounded better.

Case has never sounded as vital as she does on "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood."

The group has already produced a barrage of great singles, but this time around, it digs in its collective heels for a worthy album, allowing the songs, and not just the musicians, to shine. [27 Aug 2005]

A stronger, more distinctive album than its predecessor in nearly every respect.

Shockingly, "ONoffON" is almost on par with that landmark ['Vs.'], clearly the product of the same band operating at top form.

Along with absolutely stunning MC'ing across the board, "Quality" heralds the long-awaited return of the DJ to street hip-hop.

A brighter, bouncier counterpart to its wintry predecessor "Michigan," "Illinois" contains some of the most beautiful pop you will hear all year long.

He just may be to indie rock what Springsteen was for rock'n'roll in 1973 -- a strong, original voice whose honest and painstakingly crafted art seems destined to be a benchmark for future generations as well as encouraging the current one to stand up and testify.

Not only shares some textural similarities with Radiohead's "Kid A," but rivals it as an art-rock classic.

It's an invigorating, electric blend that is pushed over the top by lyrics that are smart and spiritual without ever pressing too hard.

A mature showcase of concentrated power with riotous groove jams, super-sized hooks and transcendent vocal arrangements.

What makes "Source Tags & Codes" such an amazing album is how the band teeters on the edge of this implosion but always yanks its songs back from collapse at the very last second.

Offering her strongest material since her 1982 landmark, Bella Donna, Nicks is radiant as she vamps through guitar-charged rockers that deftly balance her signature poetry with sticky pop hooks.

Beck has rarely performed with such maturity and confidence, breathing a rich, often haunting baritone into songs that seem to follow a plotline thread of despair after the end of a relationship.

Lyrically, Doom hasn't sounded this vital since Viktor Vaughn's "Vaudeville Villain."

"People" boasts an uncommon beauty and originality, brimming with tunes that glimmer with pure magic.

Pearl Jam is fully, comprehensively re-energized.

Beyond the bombast, Wilson has personality and soul to burn, and her impact on country music is going to be felt for many albums to come, starting here. [1 Oct 2005]

[A] very wonderful, very adult set.

"The Search" is Son Volt 2.0, a modern, mature album that might be the group's best yet. [10 Mar 2007]

One of the year's best.

A guileless, brutal breakup album that can sit with the best of them, set to the sounds of music's finest early rock moments. [17 Mar 2007]

The fact that "Complete B-Sides" rocks from start to finish speaks volumes about the Pixies' bizarre creative genius, and their focus on output rather than sales.

The inspiring combination lifts the album far beyond tribute material into sonic territory all its own.

An early contender for the year's best dance/pop album.

Elevates their brand of art-house hip-hop to another level.

Yearwood's voice is a treasure, alternating between jaw-dropping heights and ideal understatement.

Like debuts from Zero 7 and the Avalanches, Melody A.M. is well-situated to sit pretty in many critics' annual top 10s come December.