The overall result lacks the ebony-hued cohesiveness and experimental flair of the debut set.

An aurally hypnotizing collection that is comparable to, if not better than, Endtroducing.

A collection of blistering rock songs and alcohol-laced laments.

"The Eminem Show" is not a great artistic step forward, but it reaffirms Eminem's stature as a talented and prescient pop star.

A frisky set that rocks with more excitement than Ferry has exhibited in years.

The more time one spends with Vapor Trails, the richer and more nuanced it becomes. Consider this an absolute triumph.

Be forewarned: There's not much along the lines of "Island in the Sun" here.... Still, there are plenty of smart hooks and catchy vocals throughout.

If there was any justice, songs such as "Let the Serpent Sleep," "Three Seeds," and "The Creature" would be blaring from radios across America.

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.

A slick, curious concoction that sounds like Dave Matthews crossed with the Beta Band.

Costello proves that all the balladry hasn't dulled his ability to rock.

By making an album that's utterly listenable without sacrificing its integrity, Luna provides the season's greatest guilty pleasure--without the guilt.

Just as the busking, basement-tapes balladry of Stereo feels wan and undercooked, the rough-and-ready rock of Mono brims with the thoughtfulness and soulful energy of Westerberg's 1993 solo debut, 14 Songs, and his ever-influential Replacements catalog.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more adventurous and rewarding release this year.

Release couldn't be more lovely if it tried.

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

Some of these songs about life, love, family, friends, and the world seem subtly laced with lyrics inspired by the terrorist attacks, which helps make Are You Passionate? seem not only like a great next step in Young's career but also the best album he could have issued right now.

Raitt's eternal vocal effervescence and enthusiasm continue to amaze and astound.

There are moments when you wish for just a tiny bit of dirt, or just a little bit of edge.

A recording not to be missed.

In all, "Cover Magazine" may be one of the slightest of Giant Sand's albums, but after nearly 20 years of varying takes on moody, twilight hallucinations, it arrives like a sigh of relief, a much-deserved break from the norm.

Their strongest set in years.

A largely frustrating set of Saturday morning cartoon electronics.

An uneven collection of synthesized experimentation that relies too heavily on familiar and cliched electronic tricks to sound original.

Full of breezy vocals and sunny instrumentation, this album redefines beach music for the new millennium.

A fairly paint-by-numbers affair.

Walking With Thee feels more like a transition record than a definitive statement in its own right.

Think of bubblegum produced by a garage/grunge band.