One of her finest albums to date.

Although it doesn't always work as a whole, this adventurous collection echoes Jones' catalog thematically and musically...

Try as the trio might to inform its '80s pastiche with an extra degree of menace, the disc ends up sounding like the same old Trans Am: part Rush, part "Miami Vice" soundtrack and part pranksters just taking the piss.

On her album debut, the 26-year-old singer/songwriter lays her vocal and writing skills over boom-bap productions for a set that is delightfully flirtatious, heartfelt and full of diva antics.

This is Moby without his usual bag of tricks; the material rings truer than any of his previous work.

Tori Amos delivers some of the most accessible music of her career, coupled with beautifully obscure lyrics.

While it doesn't have the cohesive impact of "Hot Fuss" or "Sam's Town," it's an appealing set that brings a bit more breadth and depth to the group's catalog.

It's the beats and production that really define an RZA release, and they're as intoxicating as ever on Digi Snacks.

Like a prize fighter coming into her own, Lil' Kim finally realizes her true potential on her third Atlantic effort.

The 11 tracks breeze by in a blaze of exuberant, pop-tinged glory.

The garage band feel of the album—which was, in fact, recorded in a garage—breathes new life into Mellencamp's common-man themes. [27 Jan 2007]

There's nothing here you haven't heard before from Rise Against--or, indeed, from Bad Religion before that. But producers Bill Stevenson (of the Descendents and All) and Jason Livermore keep the music moving at a breakneck pace that gives everything the gleam of urgency anyway.

Tom Smith's emotive vocals and the dense wall of guitars strike the perfect balance between moody, underground noise and more accessible, arena-bound rock.

Bright guitar hooks, expansive piano and Jimi "Jazz" Prescott's driving bass create tracks like "Wiggle Worm" and "Georgia Brown" that are as engrossing as they are stress-reducing.

Whether discoursing about Jesus freaks and thugs, wanting something real out of life or his biracial background, the Angela Davis-fro'd Michael takes the listener on an energetic romp that swerves from lovelorn R&B to playful funk. Keep an ear open.

Songs such as the Rodney Jerkins-produced "Make It Last Forever" and "Get Up"... are surefire club hits, although such ballads as "It's Over" tend to fall flat. [9 Dec 2006]

This sophomore set likewise has moments of indelible pop bliss, but too often veers off track with unnecessarily long songs and dull arrangements.

An enchanting introduction to a talented band's equally solid beginnings.

A one-two punch of radio-ready, rock-tinged riffs and Lavigne's signature defiant yet introspective vocals.

More often than not, Oldham's signature vocalizing keeps Tortoise from falling back on old sonic tricks. [21 Jan 2006]

The all-original Venus in Overdrive demonstrates the strengths that keep Springfield in the game: broad stylistic range and pure emotional energy.

the guests' reverence for Booker T. is clear--the Truckers, as they did when they recently backed Bettye LaVette, know when to muscle up (on 'Pound It Out') and how to hang back (on moving, B3-powered track 'She Breaks,' a sweet, shimmering number filled with references to Booker T.'s awesome past).

That this album could just as easily have come out in 1985 is no detriment to its consistently entertaining songs. [24 Feb 2007]

Overall, worth a spin or two, but one hopes there's a better stash left to sample. [16 Dec 2006]

Twenty years after her self-titled debut, Tracy Chapman remains true to her musical calling: soul-rich folk melodies around a voice of honesty and nuance that nails ambivalence like no other.

Lyrically, frontman Tim Kasher never misses a step (see the men-as-animals 'From the Hips' and 'Donkeys'), proving once again why he's among indie rock's greats.

Even without original drummer Derrick Bostrom, the Meat Puppets' magic is evident. The focused, yet relaxed, music throughout this album is among the best the band has ever made.

While the album doesn't break new ground, there's plenty to like about its mix of pumping rock and old-school soul.