A welcome return. [22 Oct 2005]

A hauntingly beautiful album with tender, melodic pop arrangements that really make a lasting impression.

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

It still has the signature guitar-drums-violin approach, but there are subtle variations that make this a different record.

Time has not dulled the group's scarily tight musicianship. [15 Oct 2005]

This self-assured, illuminating "MTV Unplugged" performance underscores Keys' boundless passion for her craft. [15 Oct 2005]

But if t.A.T.u. represents the tippy-top of the marketing universe, it also represents the bottom third of pop songwriting.

With a less confessional and more confrontational attitude, this long-gestating album has lost the tenderness found on "Tidal" and some of "When the Pawn . . .," but her execution still commands attention. [8 Oct 2005]

A richly textured collection of songs that further explore the possibilities of the group's grooving dream-pop blueprint but stays just weird enough not to attract the ear of mainstream radio.

The band's evolution is not without growing pains, but the balancing act of appealing to core fans while reaching for something more is mostly successful. [8 Oct 2005]

A bold leap forward. [8 Oct 2005]

Even the few noteworthy moments are lost in the banality of the music. [15 Oct 2005]

[A] pleasant surprise of an album.

[Atmosphere] has never sounded as pointed and focused as it does here on its fifth album. [8 Oct 2005]

Although Metric might get lost in the ongoing mainstream melee, "Live It Out" has all the right ingredients for building a strong underground fan base. [29 Oct 2005]

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

Unfortunately, instead of eliciting the same response as its predecessor, ["Girl Tonite"] comes as a feeble attempt to copy success. Luckily, there are enough highlights to balance things out. [8 Oct 2005]

There is enough of the original DNA in the mix to make this a worthy listen for fans. [1 Oct 2005]

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

A provocative, richly rewarding set reflecting love and life changes. [1 Oct 2005]

A winning result.

A fine, quirky entrance that hints at a band poised for bigger things down the road.

Familiar, yes, but not unwelcome. [1 Oct 2005]

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]

The lack of big-name guests may make it hard to woo new fans, but those who preferred Paul's earlier work will be happy to hear he has returned home. [1 Oct 2005]

No, kids, it's not that scatological jokes aren't funny, just that these scatological jokes aren't funny.

While the overlong album sometimes threatens to bury C&C with its own excess, the craftsmanship suggests the band is more than capable of breaking into the mainstream. [24 Sep 2005]

Musically and lyrically, "Clothes Drop" is more pop-oriented, melodic and restrained, and is all the brighter for it. [24 Sep 2005]