Not song-based, the album relies on mood... making its impact in a similar, slightly less accomplished manner to Brian Eno's early ambient experiments. [Feb 2007, p.102]

The Search revisits the social commentary of Farrar's old band. [May 2007, p.129]

At its worst Etheridge is a sub-Springsteen mistress of the lyrically obvious. But when she hitches a poetic directness to a thumping tune on The Wanting Of You and Company, she's in a league of her impassioned own. [Aug 200, p.119]

It's more accessible than more tripped-out previous releases. [Dec 2012, p.110]

Unfortunately, the old pop standards--including two popularised by Brenda Lee--are all syrup and no spark. [May 2017, p.107]

There's a slightly dated stadium-house feel to th rest.... Still, when he thrills, he truly thrills. [Apr 2008, p.108]

The Canadian synth-pop duo are still partying like it's 1984. [Nov. 2010, p. 106]

Whether it's some twangy rockabilly or a thoroughbred country lament, their aim is always true. [Feb 2013, p.107]

An engaging, easy on the senses combination of murk and shine, then. [Feb 2014, p.115]

Paring down the roster to give more space to standout performers would have made this hit-and-miss debut fell less like a lucky dip. [Mar 2015, p.106]

These songs might waver and stumble, but they still feel like a successful step forward. [Jul 2019, p.106]

This isn't his masterpiece, but it is the unexpected sound of the road of excess leading to the palace of wisdom. [May 2013, p.103]

He's not quite established his own sound, but that will surely come. Meanwhile, Braveface remains hugely enjoyable. [Jun 2009, p.121]

Some might find Issues a bit too strenuous ("I stand up to them and confront/While you choose to be a cunt, " claims Up) but as fans know, The Slits are meant to be full-on. [Dec 2009, p. 126]

Feels like reconnecting with a well-loved school friend on Facebook and finding that he's barely changed his clothes, let alone his ideas: a pleasure but not quite a thrill. [May 2012, p.100]

The Beastie Boys have always been at their best when gleefully rhyming and stealing from a variety of sources--both musically and lyrically--and the self-imposed adherence to hip hop traditionalism here, and indeed musically on the album as a whole, rather subdues their famously free-form sonic palette. [Jul 2004, p.108]

This slow-moving record is full of secrets yet reveals barely anything at all. [Summer 2018, p.116]

Stylish nightlife pop. [Dec 2004, p.148]

Harvey's voice is not worthy of heavyweight songwriting. Still, when the songs are lighter, he succeeds. [Oct 2005, p.117]

Draining and stylish in equal measure. [Jan 2017, p.111]

At times they lack the focus to quite surmount their influences. [Aug 2006, p.117]

There's a harder edge throughout their fourth album, making them sound a little like Starsailor at times, with electric guitars getting more of a look-in this time. [Oct 2007, p.106]

Everytime they hit their stride, as on 'Weightless,' a delicious coupling of joyful guitar riffs and Matthew Caw's warm falsetto, it is quickly followed by a bog-standard indie jangle. [Mar 2008, p.108]

Any nuance is stomped by hectic drums and background chants, but it's hard not to warm to people acting on the very human compulsion to make their presence known in case they spin out of reach forever. [May 2017, p.107]

He's made his most palatable LP yet. [Feb 2013, p.109]

This final testament is all the more heart-breaking for the fact we'll never hear from Campbell again. [Oct 2013, p.99]

Though their lyrical scope remains limited, they work hard to deliver the kind of catharsis you'd associate with a cherished coming-of-age movie. [Jul 2020, p.106]

What's lacking from the Oakland native is the kind of fresh approach to a retro sound that elevated Amy Winehouse above straight homage. [Apr 2009, p.110]