The lyrics brim with grouchy wit. [24 Mar 2007]

While the casual listener may tire of the repetitive synthiness of Anxiety Always, fans of the genre will dig the act's '80s-inflected tunes.

Beyond ballads, "Black & Blue" crackles with funk-inflected uptempo ditties that are notable for their rough edges.

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.

While her voice has lost some of its power through the years, "Mimi" deftly showcases her still-considerable pipes with strong lyrics and slick production.

Key to the success of the disc is Krall's stretch on the keys, making this her strongest jazz outing.

Its debut U.S. set showcases its accessible modern rock and frontman Paul Noonan's ambitious lyrics.

"Underneath" spotlights a more mature, melodic pop-rock Hanson.

A young, kick-ass band with a dusty, unpolished garage sound, Wolfmother excels in what everyone else has already done.

Bejar may consistently tinker with his sound, but the output has been reliably solid, and Dreams is no exception.

His lyrics have matured past coke-slinging to the drug's effect on his life. [16 Dec 2006]

There are fewer memorable moments here than on his solo albums, but it's still nice to hear him taking risks. [21 Apr 2007]

The Dolls' bark is as big as their bite.

Duran Duran has a new lease on life, sounding more vibrant and exciting than it has in eons.

His voice is beautiful, his phrasing adventurous and his arrangements intense.... But the material could stand a bit of pruning

What helps Smoosh rise above novelty, however, is the quality of young Asya's songs.

While the Who's acoustic side has always been underappreciated, Townshend revels in it here. [4 Nov 2006]

DJ/rappers Redfoo and Sky Blu (the son and grandson, respectively, of Motown founder Berry Gordy) fulfill all the lyrical requirements for a summer anthem--sunny locale, sexual tension and a liquor-assisted nonstop party.

This isn't a perfect album, but it is a great pop leap for Fischerspooner.

The M's and their "Future Women" not only jog the memories of rock past, but are memorable in their own right.

Hiccups aside, there's something really brave and thoroughly punk rock about hearing her tackle Ma Rainey's 'Daddy Goodbye Blues.'

To save themselves from the sneaking accusation that they were fizzling out, the quartet self-produced and -mixed "Swimming," and the result is an album notably more laid-back and truer to their wistful personalities than 2006's "Two Thousand."

His ambitious self-titled solo debut goes a long way in turning over a new musical leaf, thanks to the presence of a top-notch nine-piece band and a host of complex, melodically inventive tunes that could please a wide range of listeners.

Lloyd still serves up a satisfying sophomore suite.

Those familiar with '80s funk trio the Gap Band will find a decidedly modern R&B sound on the second Jive solo album from frontman Charlie Wilson, which by turns is both riveting and a little disappointing.

Ne-Yo still has a way with melody, managing to upgrade his offerings while showing that the writer in him ain't dead either. [5 May 2007]

Its most difficult and uncompromising album to date.

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]