"One Beat" is so rich with strong new ideas that the dense disc actually takes some getting used to, a real accomplishment for a band some already view as an acquired taste.

Though a few more lively tunes would've been welcome, October Road marks the return of an artist who is as creatively vital as ever.

Sweepingly beauteous and mesmerizingly rhythmic, The Isness offers pleasures equally suited to explorers of dancefloors or headphones.

Under intense pressure to "prove itself," Sparta has done perfectly fine.

Tailor-made for post-club chill-out sessions, as well as weekend brunches at hip cafés, Details delights with warm electronic beats, organic guitars, and multi-tiered strings.

Oberst's fourth full-length is a bleak, bipolar journey through his emotionally charged mind, with melodramatic midnight ballads, dusty piano, and the occasional sexy violin.

An adventurous singer/songwriter just like her sister Shelby Lynne, the vocally gifted Moorer doesn't shy away from bucking country tradition. In fact, she seems to revel in it.

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

Orton has a flair for penning languid, spacious songs whose forlorn characters seem as adrift as the music's fleeting acoustic guitar chords and absentminded piano tinkles.

The five Brits waste their major talents on midtempo songs like "Everyday" and "Four Letter Word."

Impassioned and bold, this record is a triumph.

Toby Keith has developed into a superstar for a reason, and he keeps getting better.

"Revolverlution" may be little more than a curious career capper, but at least the never risk-averse Public Enemy seems to understand that even failure can be your friend if it ultimately helps you move forward and stay fresh.

Busted Stuff is marked by luxuriously long tracks that maximize the skills of the band.

The dynamic range of Plant's vocals may have narrowed, but his emotional range has only widened, with his singing intimate and detailed throughout.

As strange as it is wonderful.

Overflows with a confidence not always present on past sets.

Given the talent on hand it would take some horrible disaster to sink "Optometry," but the combo actually bests expectations.

This is a showcase of a hugely important American artist at full power.

This is one beautiful record.

With this mostly impressive album, Loewenstein has stepped out from behind Sebadoh founder Lou Barlow's shadow to prove he's a powerful songwriter and player in his own right.

While the electronic flourishes and arrogant bombast that respectively marred the band's last two efforts are thankfully gone, there's nothing on Heathen Chemistry to suggest that the "Wonderwall" commercial glory days of the mid-'90s are coming back.

Features some of the group's most focused and seductive work ever.

"Long Walk Home" passes the ultimate soundtrack test: it stands alone beautifully, capably supporting the work of director Phillip Noyce while at the same time feeling like a natural and fluid extension of Gabriel's own distinctive artistic vision.

Kudos for making such a disparate collection hang together as a cohesive, upbeat, infectious whole.

17 tracks of "edutainment" that are as enjoyable for adults as they are for kids.

A soul-searching set that recalls such pre-"Let's Dance" collections as Heroes and Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps).

Throughout, Cookie crackles with intensity, be it of the sexual, political, or religious kind.