"The Big Bang" successfully treads the line of commercialism, with palatable mainstream singles and solid street tracks.

Sia still brings enough weird on Some People to satisfy old-school fans.

Here, there are moments when he entertains us and other times when he doesn't.

"Run the Road 2" does not live up to its crack predecessor, but that observation is neither a surprise nor a slam. [18 Feb 2006]

The most ambitious and most fully realized album of his career.

This is an exciting new chapter for Bon Jovi. [23 Jun 2007]

"Faith And Courage" is head and shoulders above what came before it. In fact, it is brilliant.

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.

Saadiq's production is brimming with horns and seriously in-the-pocket rhythm sections, but there are also enough hip-hop touches and contemporary arrangements to keep the tracks in the now. [24 Mar 2007]

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

A masterfully crafted collection that warmly recalls the era of album-driven FM rock radio.

With a few notable exceptions... inspiration is just what this album lacks.

The songwriting grows less challenging as the album unfolds, often lacking the kind of vocal performances that provide real traction.

Hatfield tears through 12 songs, posturing and pouting over caustic guitars and leaving her singalong hooks raw and unedited. [13 Aug 2005]

Son Volt may be playing it too safe on American Central Dust, but the songs are still woven together with a feeling of comfort and familiarity.

Tropical Storm should be the album that blows away fans and critics alike.

"My World, My Way" shows the continuing evolution of a young MC with a promising future.

The best part of Sparro is that he's not just multiplying old styles by new sounds. Dressed like a raver B-boy, switching between Rufus Wainwright and D'Angelo, the boy's not faking it.

The rest of Identified, though, panders to the preteen demo with stop-start pop that ranges from pleasant (the title track) to dull ("Amazed") to off-putting ("Hook It Up"). But for little girls, this is one nonstop singalong.

They strive to be a classic band, crafting timeless songs that will still be fresh and relevant long after the competition sounds dated and quaint.

Sum 41's most mature album to date.

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

There are a few head-scratchers,....but singer Caleb Followill has never been in better command of his beyond-his-years howl, and he's got monster hooks and melodies yet in his bottle of tricks.

With Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass and Vinny Appice on drums, the lyrically macabre and demonically alluring music sounds more like a band backing Ronnie James Dio than it does an act trying to distinguish itself as an entity apart from Sabbath's and Dio's solo endeavors. Yet The Devil You Know has a great sound in its own right.

Sensual, mysterious, and provocative, Learning From Falling shines brightly.

A mostly solid collection of quirky dance pop and cryptic rock.

There is an easy-listening elegance to his songs, but the album plays out like a soundtrack to sipping coffee. [28 Jan 2006]

It's a very sexually explicit R. Kelly who greets fans on this outing. [2 Jun 2007]