Expertly tows the line between old-school hip-hop homage and forward-looking experimentation.

Though the album grows stronger as it lurches on, the trio's pursuit of bombast leaves the killer melodies lost in outer space.

Her big sense of humor and little sense of shame should help keep "Impeach" in rotation for incumbent spins.

Too often his songs fail to captivate beyond a curiosity factor.

Anyone who found the alien sonic landscapes of "Kid A" a bit overwhelming will feel much more at home with these nine less fussy but primarily electronica-dominated compositions.

An old-school alternative rock album full of oversized riffs and open-hearted hooks.

Perhaps the most intimate of an intimate series.

An ambitious, aurally rich suite of storytelling songs.

Slower paced and more atmospheric than any of its predecessors, "Dusk" is an ambitious showcase of maturity.

For greatness, look to the irresistibly melodic "Twentieth Century," the New Order-hued "Minimal" and the Diane Warren-penned ballad "Numb."

"The Return of Dr. Octagon" suffers from the classic case of "too little, too late."

[A] compendium of mostly refined Americana, albeit filtered through Black's uniquely cockeyed worldview.

A welcome exercise in versatility.

An album to return to again and again, whose depth grows with every spin.

A debut recording as fine as this one deserves immediate attention.

Guster's loudest and most ambitious effort to date.

The album's best moments come on XTC-flavored new wave tracks like "Skip to the End" and "Favours for Favours," where they ease up on the accelerator and let the songs breathe.

A stunning shot of muscular, melodic rock.

Seem[s] like a missed opportunity.

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

Equally stands as Six Organs' most accessible and complex collection to date.

"Rather Ripped" is a concise serving of what the band does best.

"Son" is yet another triumph for Molina, who continues to distinguish herself as one of the most innovative electronic artists today.

There is plenty to love here, so don't be surprised when you find it has become the current soundtrack to your life.

Costello's vocal range is challenged like never before, but his phrasing is always on the money, and Joe Henry's production makes it all sound so natural.

Surprisingly, a middle-aged Cube still packs a youthful punch when it comes to the gangsta tales. [3 Jun 2006]

Nothing they've done can match the pure pop beauty of "Puzzles Like You."

Too many tracks meander aimlessly without finding the perfect beat.