The whole never manages to lift off. [Oct 2005, p.120]

The sound of him working with a lean combo is so refreshing, and a welcome first in his mammoth catalogue. [Nov 2014, p.107]

The title track and Just Me stand out for their bubbly rhythms, but otherwise this feels grey an mopey. [Mar 2017, p.108]

Slightly wan and wispy. [Feb 2016, p.119]

There's no shortage of character. [Mar 2015, p.119]

Two years pm, this follow-up wavers between bouts of overblown, Arcade Fire-aping drama and Pavement slacker rock. [May 2008, p.139]

Creatively there are signs he's struggling to keep it up. [Feb 2014, p.114]

With its uncomfortable candour, Under Rug Swept is a serious business.

Human Conditions is not a musical disaster on the scale of Heathen Chemistry. It's just that, from Richard Ashcroft, more is expected. [Nov 2002, p.98]

Practically drips with misery. [June 2002, p.112]

While at times this debut with The Best-Ofs still portrays him as apotty-mouthed cynic who regards romance as black farce, it seems that a light of commitment and imminent parenthood has been turned on. [Mar 2009, p.102]

It's a loose affair, typical of Chilton's slapdash attitude towards heritage curation. [Oct 2005, p.114]

This won't alienate any fans--his voice is as soothing as ever--but it's pleasing to see him stimulating more than just a goofy grin. [Mar 2008, p.102]

Nominally folk gospel, they embrace an array of styles from rock to dance, via unashamedly esoteric. [Oct 2013, p.100]

In the end, it's all a bit too sensible. [Nov 2012, p.95]

Rather than sounding like musical magpies, The Fratellis are always their own men. [July 2008, p.100]

Mostly, he has little to say. [Mar 2011, p.109]

As so often happens, this is Neil Young doing what the hell he likes.

He'll never repeat Play's monumental success, of course, but he's building a might back catalogue. [July 2011, p. 116]

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]

When they're not trying to be someone else, these lavishly layered, exquisitely crafted songs add to the mystery of why The Veils keep missing out. [Jul 2013, p.112]

It's as complex and funky as the city that inspired it. [Dec 2008, p.133]

A more coherent album [than Play], it enchances rather than advances his previous approach, proving superior to its predecessor because its music is more sensitive, its emotions more personal, and what's on offer is a closer, more inviting experience. [May 2002, p.105]

A confident return. [Jul 2006, p.115]

Musically and lyrically, this has the same hazy, starry-eyed feel [as Music Of The Spheres]. [Oct 2004, p.121]

Despite spicy production it's really all squeaky-clean. [May 2007, p.124]

'Piece of Me' is a blast at the paparazzi, but her principle target is, inevitably, ex-hubby Kevin Federline. Not all pop stars give up their secrets so readily. [Jan 2008, p.112]

This is serious fun. [Mar 2007, p.106]