An impressive album with lovely songs, but greater originality is needed. [Apr 2010, p.112]

While his lyrics are lascivious to a point, songs such as "Love," "The Hardest Way" and "Heartkiller" are strictly soft-focus, with any semblance of attitude--or actual sex--air-brushed into radio-friendly oblivion. [Mar 2010, p.102]

Patchy sixth efforts from hip hop innovators. [Sept. 2011, p. 111]

No Doubt have always been a platinum-haired party band, but, over 20 years into the game, such platinum pop perfection feels far less forced. [Nov 2012, p.108]

This album should seduce fans of Red House Painters or American Music Club. [Oct/Nov 2001, p.130]

All a bit silly, but actually quite good. [Apr 2003, p.104]

Once over the shock of Mould's familiar tones being vocodered beyond recognition, Modulate offers some of his most effective pop songs. [June 2002, p.120]

[Morcheeba] return to what they do best. [July 2002, p.117]

Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand's label is an unlikely home for these militant lesbian rappers who screech sex-filled rhymes over tough, minimal beats, although thheir punky energy should appeal to Messrs Turner and Kapranos. [Oct 2008, p.152]

It remains to be seen, though, whether the record-buying public are prepared to give Glasvegas another go, but on this evidence they should. [Oct 2013, p.102]

His latest spin-off project sees Steele's musical wanderlust pay dividends. [Mar 2009, p.98]

As albums by models go, it's a blinder. [April 2012, p106]

While the icy Joy Division guitar chords and singer Davide Jones's faux-cockney delivery never sound entirely natural, their energy is compulsive. [Jul 2005, p.113]

Less impressive are the band's own art-rock statements. [Dec 2007, p.116]

Song quality is key: at home writing cheery or wistful postcards rather than deep and meaningful navel-gazing, Ringo had yarns to spin, vibes to spread and lucky stars to thank. [May 2015, p.112]

If there's a weakness it's Hutchcraft's florid vocal style. [Nov 2015, p.111]

Waiting for the Sunrise is a blissful alt-country album where the Hammond organ swells and pulses like it's being tickled by Al Kooper. [Oct 2008, p.152]

Having cornered the market in MOR pop, he brings these well-honed chops to bear on OneRepublic's second album, throwing up an immaculately mixed cocktail of soft-focused rock, white-bread R&B and heartstrung balladry. [Mar 210, p.107]

A missed opportunity. [Oct 2012, p.107]

It's exhilarating in short snatches but too samey over the long haul. [Apr 2014, p.110]

The first few tracks are like The Black Crowes without the cosmic sophistication. [Apr 2015, p.104]

There's still a feeling that the two albums might have worked better as one. [Nov 2010, p.114]

This follow-up to 2006's clubland sleeper Disco Romance revealing a polished synthesis of Balearic beats and featherly harmonies. [Oct 2009, p.116]

Birthmarks is far from being a poor record, but it's limited in ambition and reach. [May 2013, p.97]

Taut, and wired with determination. [Jul 2005, p.119]

The woozy G-funk of 2 Minute Warning and 1800's crunk rat-a-tat show his trademark drawl has lost none of its subtle menace, though too often it's left to guest cameos to supply the spark - rising R&B star Jazmine Sullivan brushing her host aside on soul-powered highlight Different Languages. [Jan 2010, p. 118]

He is undoubtedly a star, but Sisqo will have to work harder than this if he wants his audience to continue loving him as much as he so clearly loves himself. [Sep 2001, p.117]

Continues to adhere firmly to the rootsy rock of fellow travellers Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows, while their earnest musicianship and hard work will delight fans of that sort of thing. [Aug 2003, p.115]