True, he sometimes overdoes the theatrical flourishes, but high drama is what this record is all about, so he can be forgiven for that. [Jun 2013, p.108]

A melange of preposterously angular guitar exercises, accomplished balladry and portentous doggerel. [Mar 2003, p.111]

DJ Babu looks to the old school for his mix of melody and beats, giving the whole project a fluid and classy feel with more than a nod to their heroes, Run DMC. [#184, p.130]

He acquits himself impressively as pianist and singer, his affinity with the material elevating it above mere expensive pastiche. [Jul 2013, p.106]

An intermittently potent album that feels unlikely to etch itself too deeply onto the world. [Aug 2004, p.104]

He's seldom less than wildly expressive, whether pumping out neon-lit disco or radically rewiring acid electro. [Aug 2012, p.108]

Subtle contributions from left-field electronic artists like The Books and Broadcast add variety, but at 21 tracks, it's still a marathon. [Apr 2005, p.126]

If Strange Creatures show a grander musical approach, then lyrically they're still fascinated by the bleak detail of everyday life, even if lads-night-out-gone-wrong vignette Bonfire Of the City Boys and sax-peppered deadpan horror story Prom Night flip the mundane into something more twisted. [Apr 2019, p.110]

Finn is sometimes let down by a ploddy production. [May 2017, p.103]

You Can't Go Back... holds no surprises. [Apr 2016, p.114]

Akin to Manu Chao backed by The Go Team!, fortunately it's no one-off. [Nov 2008, p.117]

His follow-up to 2010's From The Cradle to the Rave pulses with similar dancefloor rhythm, and again features a diverse roster of guest voices. [Apr 2014, p.119]

They've seemingly ditched their Wicker Man aesthetic for something altogether more contemporary, bringing in programmed with all the glitzy sheen of, in fact, an '80s revival. [May 2015, p.112]

The 11th Bunnymen album is a reminder that the elegiac guitars and uplifting choruses of indie rock were invented by this band way back in the ealy '80s. [Nov 2009, p.104]

It all helps to bring out a soul and spirit that is hard to deny. [Jul 2014, p.110]

Ultimately, while(1<2) is overlong and never quite the cohesive masterpiece it wants to be, but there's tantalising evidence of a smart brain ticking away beneath those big Disney ears. [Aug 2014, p.114]

Fine for a happy hour of poppy abstraction, but you may find it tough remembering much of it afterwards. [Jul 2004, p.113]

Hers is a mode that doesn't stray far from the pop status quo, but Glynne should still be applauded for mastering such a feelgood formula. [Nov 2018, p.106]

The frequently heavy subject matter is brightened musically by flashes of pedal steel and taut strings--meaning things never get too oppressive. When it's over though, you're left feeling you've been touched by something deeply elemental. [Dec 2017, p.109]

The only real issue is that at times the vibe is so laid-back there;s a slight danger of dropping off rather than simply blissing out. [Feb 2017, p.116]

Prong's no-rills approach is a far better fit than, say, Slayer's patchy Undisputed Attitude from 1996.... They're less sure-footed on a raucous stab at Husker Du's Don't Want To Know If You're Lonely that bludgeons all the magic out of the original, however. [May 2015, p.109]

Sparkly fourth set from Zero 7's Australian singer. [July 2010, p. 139]

Another dicey sell for the moshers probably happier to indulge in the record's belligerent breakdowns and build-ups. [Dec 2012, p.109]

In all, a most diverting, Frankenstein-esque collision of caveman demon worship and unhinged science. [Dec 2013, p.115]

Fallon's grizzly vocals are both his strength (they ooze commitment) and weakness (he'll always sound like The Gaslight Anthem) and they're Painkiller's strength and weakness too. [Apr 2015, p.105]

At times The Ship's Piano seems like one long love letter... laced with sentiment and heartfelt thanks for life's greatest gift. [Nov 2011, p. 135]

At times, it's too mellow. [Summer 2019, p.108]

For the listener wanting a more reflective experience, 50 sometimes enthralling minutes await. [May 2013, p.94]