A timeless, feel-good album that could easily slide into your papa's Sam Cooke and Percy Sledge collections, yet still sounds contemporary.

Things hover uneasily somewhere between wholesale reinvention and mere superstar vanity project. [28 Oct 2006]

"Born" loses its focus amid unabashed nods to Burt Bacharach and songs that are just not done yet, despite smart tempo changes and pretty melodies.

Enigk's vocals here are as translucent as ever.

The new set goes just far enough beyond the call of duty to warrant repeat listens.

"Play" is light-years more enterprising than Diddy's sample-happy history might suggest.

There's a lot to love here.

Aided by expert musicianship and spot-on production, Bentley translates his on-stage charisma to the studio better than ever before. [21 Oct 2006]

While there are certainly some forgettable moments here... the refreshing news is that "Normal Happiness" can stand proudly amid the Pollard oeuvre.

[It] works best when he's rapping alongside guests.

Yet for all the headphone-worthy sounds, the pace seldom rises above a back-porch feel and, at times, the stickers meant for customizing the cover seem like more fun than the music.

"Sam's Town" is a sophisticated sonic metropolis.

[Finn's] attempt to add more dimension to his whiskey-soaked vocals is striking. And for the most part it works.

The overall tone of the album isn't entirely dark and hopeless, although Lightburn fails to leave us with any specific resolve, instead content for some questions to remain unanswered.

Another extraordinary Decemberists album.

Those who embraced "Fallen" will doubtlessly fall even harder into "The Open Door."

Volume and snappy nods to '70s arena rock cannot obscure empty angst and lazy rhymes.

Musically and lyrically the album is thoughtful and mature.

Despite embracing the styles of decades past (specifically, the piano-driven pop of [Elton] John and the Bee Gees' disco-riffic ditties), the Sisters still manage to sound unique.

"Okonokos" delivers as powerful a wake-up call to the ears as seeing MMJ in the flesh.

More often than not, even Shadow's most extreme sonic detours hit home.

Oldham's songwriting is top-notch as usual, his melancholy lyrics in perfect balance with the accompanying music.

A mature effort that shines with nakedness and clarity.

Thanks to organic, piano-driven production, stellar storytelling and Sir's rededication to his vocal craft, this is a triumph.

Aside from a few catchy club tracks, there is nothing all that exciting about Chingy's third album.

While TVOTR now record for just another major label, their music is more distinctive than ever.

This record isn't for casual listening, so those checking out the Mars Volta for the first time should take it slow to prevent a sonic hangover.

Nothing here has quite the same panache as club hits like "Bingo Bango" or "Romeo," but "Crazy Itch Radio" nonetheless contains a handful of songs that reassert Basement Jaxx's superior production skills and unfailing ability to get any dance party grooving.