This album is destined to redraw the parameters, thanks to its sheer scale and detail, its recurring themes and imagery, and its creators' refusal to settle for less than they could achieve. [June 2011, p. 90]

The vocals are mostly too downmix, the lyrics too inaudible or too banal. [Apr 2011, p.101]

A further refinement of their liquid improv vibe, the Thrill Jockey debut finds the quintet sitting on a mountain looking at the sun, high on Popol Vuh and who knows what else. [Apr 2011, p.97]

Vile's no relic-treasuring throwback, finding a unique, laconic voice of his own among the tangle. [Apr 2011, p.95]

Angles homespun demeanour is key to its appeal. There are flaws. [Apr 2011, p.95]

Collapse Into now finds Stipe, Peter Buck and mike Mills pleading relevance and vitality. [Apr 2011, p.96]

While T.I.'s measured, discursive rap style is heard at its best on scourging confessional duets with Eminem and, of all people, Christina Aguilera on the genuinely touching Castle Walls, Further promising collaborations with Kanye West, Pharrell and Drake end up having a rather more formulaic ring to them. [Apr 2011, p.97]

On Blessed she finds the perfect balance between the sweet and the sour. [Apr 2011, p.98]

It's a near-total reinvention, and a triumph. [Apr 2011, p.98]

It's a pity that the set plays out with a hat trick of dreadlock holiday stinkers. [Apr 2011, p.98]

Cornershop's Midlands-Asian mainspring, looks back to the homeland with an album joyously sung all in Punjabi. [Apr 2011, p.100]

Musically, this album is well assembled, with stabs of Memphis-style horns, slide guitar and luscious strings--but the lyrics lack deep resonance. [Apr 2011, p.100]

Nothing here feels contrived. Instead we witness a rare thing: an inherently youthful band gracefully making good into their thirties. [Apr 2011, p.106]

There's not a note put out of place as they invite us to enjoy the good natured be-in. [Apr 2011, p.104]

Like island life itself, it's quietly focused and won't be rushed. [Apr 2011, p.104]

The tonal similarities of these tracks blend into one another, holding only half of your attention like the soundtrack of an imagined film. [Apr 2011, p.105]

She now finds plenty to lampoon in 2011 on this droll, provocative comeback. [Apr 2011, p.105]

The hi-gloss but uneven Credo only partially convinces. [Feb 2011, p.100]

Gentleman Jack White does his Loretta Lynn production thing for another grand old lady. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]

The southern legend's first solo outing in 14 years. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]

Their 21st studio album. Not so dissimilar to the other 20. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]

The Brit School girl undergoes a successful soul-pop makeover. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is genuinely a great record. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]

Brooklyn collective with ex-Le Tigre members party like its 2003. [Feb. 2011, p. 107]

Fourth outing for the hirsute folk/pop alchemist. [Feb. 2011, p. 107]

Homme has gone on to make sexier records, but for sheer creepy sensuality QOTSA is the definitive article. [Apr 2011, p.112]

Fifth album from former Afghan Whigs mainman's collective. [Apr. 2011, p. 94]

Fifth, and best, album from Montreal's big dreamers. [Apr. 2011, p. 94]