Though rockier in parts than any of his previous work, this 12-track set houses some of Johnson's most impressive songwriting to date.

The live material shows the band in their element, even if the limitations of Johnson's voice are exposed, flawless performances of "Hells Bells" and "Live Wire" explaining why they're still one of the most thrilling live acts. [Jan 2010, p.131]

Just Because, Youth and Poverty and the simmering Finale show there's genuine craft here too. Thrilling. [Feb 2011, p.117]

It clatters past in little over an hour, lean and propulsive despite its sprawling, scattershot nature. [Jun 2012, p.109]

He's retained much of his fizz, but his new, relatively thoughtful, air means that the piano-led The Bruiser exudes a heap of rue and regret, while the autobiographical Mississippi Delta toasts a bright new future in a bright new place, something this album cements. [Oct 2018, p.116]

Green is a one-man game of musical consequences, mismatched but endlessly fascinating. [May 2006, p.124]

Back on track. ... The time away has taught them that if the sings are good enough, there 's no need to chuck in the kitchen sink too. [Mar 2020, p.114]

An unexpected pleasure. [Dec 2014, p.118]

Despite the dark moments, Lost Domain keeps the flame. [Dec 2014, p.119]

The album's deft genre-hopping is navigated with a confidence that comes from clearly hard-won experience. [May 2020, p.110]

As a covers album, this is about as good as it gets. [Mar 2010, p.104]

Heartbreaking, gorgeous and totally individual, these big-production numbers meld the different but complementary beauties of Nashville country and sweet soul while adding a dash of wine-dark weirdness.

Napolitano's lyrics exemplify the "perfect turn of word" for which she praises Bryan Ferry in a tribute song called Roxy. [Jan 2002, p.98]

This is the work of a band who are beginning to realise they don't always need to bark so loudly to be heard. [Jun 2012, p.103]

Struggle, New Disco, and Dance To The Underground are too-self conscious by half but they're still hoisted by a steamrolling dynamic and sharp hooks. [Nov 2002, p.110]

Writhing and urgent, it's the record that might make them stars. [Aug 2013, p.101]

Mood music with a soul. [Oct 2011, p.112]

Storytone presents the same 10 songs twice: compellingly naked save for a guitar or ukulele, then dressed to kill in Hollywood strings and big band brass. [Dec 2014, p.119]

This is a beautiful, soul-searching record and the one that Joan Wasser has spent her whole life building up to. [Mar 2018, p.110]

Oldham has been so far ahead of the folksy Americana pack for so long that it now sounds like he's even caught up with himself. [Jan. 2012 p. 119]

His second album is braver and more expansive and, in the case of 'Cigarette Eyes,' surprisingly angry. He's getting near to brilliant. [Feb 2008, p.95]

Their 16th album proves that while Guided by Voices' songs are legion, their gifts remain singular.[Feb. 2012 p. 109]

A confident and enjoyable debut. [May 2019, p.111]

Mature, classy and a hard-earnedtriumph. [Jul 2020, p.105]

Historic recreation pop, yes, but it presents beautifully. [June 2019, p.111]

Hippo Lite is brilliantly abrasive, any prettier blips overwhelmed by Real Outside's uncanny whirl or the ESP crackle of Corner shops. ... Such insularity only means you lean in, however, as close as possible to their intriguing transmissions. [Jun 2018, p.110]

Dazzling with its intensity, the futuristic splice of swooping symphonics and grimy looped percussion once again sets Stevens in his own orbit. [Dec 2010, p.114]

It's seamless, silly, but seriously good stuff. [Jun 2016, p.113]