The State Between Us offers a subtle, multi-layered but potent riposte to latter-day jingoism, the spirit of compassionate inclusion made manifest or woven implicitly into the eclectic sonic narrative. [May 2019, p.95]

Even on a transitional work, No Age's spirit of adventure is its own reward. [Sep 2013, p.89]

Many longtime listeners... are sure to be disappointed with the radio-friendly production and sheer innocuousness of [the] lyrics. [Jun 2007, p.104]

Finds an uncommonly energised Oldham ranging across his capacious back catalogue, his palpable enthusiasm manifesting in unlikely between-song whoops of joy. [Dec 2005, p.116]

It is probably Dylan's most distinctive statement. [Oct 2012, p.94]

The 50th-anniversary edition affirms the underrated triumph in Cahoots. [Feb 2022, p.97]

Shine justifies John Legend's signing of her to his Homeschool label and finding producers she could inspire. [Mar 2008, p.112]

Fusing techno with campanology is a bold aim on paper; in practice it's a revelation. [Feb 2013, p.91]

Kane, like his Puppets partner, is fast becoming one of Britain;s landmark composers. [Jun 2011, p.102]

Revealing and uplifting. [Feb 2015, p.94]

Camp art-pop songs matching Kassie Carlson's surreal lyrics with burbling synths and booming basses, it might snag GT the audience they crave. [May 2022, p.96]

Scally's armoury of drum boxes, Bontempi organs and electric guitars provides shape-shifting backgrounds--classic '60s pop arrangements filtered through the fuzzy prism of a dream. [Mar 2008, p.108]

It's not always easy to get emotional purchase on these songs, but the hint of something moving beneath the immaculate surfaces makes the challenge worthwhile. [Dec 2025, p.86]

Despite the numerous positions, No Lube So Rude becomes a little no-note. [Mar 2026, p.80]

They may occasionally press autopilot but the unexpected sound of Blythe singing for the first time ever on Overlord proves their willingness to suppress a few decibels for the sake of progress. It suits them. [Oct 2015, p.90]

James ford and Jas Shaw's command of synth hardware lends itself to organic songwriting. [Dec 2016, p.93]

At least Wake Up Now lifts its voice in protest during turbulent times, rising even when it doesn't quite shine. [Oct 2017, p.93]

The excellent concept sometimes outshines the music, but if everyone's a tourist, this is the trip to go on. [Nov 2022, p.88]

Sprawling and dense as it may be, but amid its deranged lyricism and brutal soundscapes, 8 Diagrams vindicates The RZA's devotion to the collective ethic. [Feb 2008, p.100]

Not an easy listen, but admirable. [Nov 2017, p.97]

Defiantly mainstream. Still, it's certainly not weedy, relying on big Nashville arrangements filled with swelling strings and modulated Hammond organ. [Mar 2021, p.82]

A hazy treat. [Oct 2006, p.103]

Beach Music is stylistically disjointed. [Nov 2015, p.94]

Thrilling third from the ex-Headcoatee's duo. [May 2010, p. 93]

A forward-looking treat. [Jul 2015, p.87]

Big, warm music that doesn't shout loud, yet makes itself heard. [Apr 2017, p.97]

Walk Thru Me Andrew Perry feels less vibey and cutting-edge, with occasional polemical tunes reedily voiced by Davis, and Barlow brooding on grown-up issues like parenthood (My Little Lamb) and battling depression (Crepuscular) – not different enough from latterday Sebadoh, or indeed solo Barlow, surely, to reprise 1995’s commercial uplift. [Aug 2024, p.84]

With its indelible songs and bug-eyed intensity, this album makes you wish that more bands could be so irreverent. [Apr 2006, p.100]