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

Possessing neither Cuomo's melodic nous nor the self-absorbed misanthropy that makes Weezer's best work so compelling, Wilson's power-pop never exceeds cynical expectations. [Apr 2004, p.120]

A profound disappointment... few songs lift themselves above pedestrian tedium. [Nov 2000, p.117]

It's not an obvious fit, and with all songs apparently written in the space of just three days there's distinctly rushed, work-in-progress feel that does nobody any favours. [Jan 2011, p.142]

[Clinic] has misplaced the groove and settled for a rut. [Sep 2004, p.117]

A disappointing barrage of lethargic metal. [Dec 2004, p.137]

Some of the most awkward, unapproachable music he's made. [Nov 2004, p.128]

An oddly anonymous disappointment. [Apr 2006, p.113]

They're brilliant as such but, with a couple of exceptions, not quite so fun in the cold light of day. [Apr 2013, p.104]

Not quite the step forward he needed. [Sep 2001, p.122]

It's prevented from turning fancy by its grounding in some rudimentary rock dynamics. [May 2006, p.122]

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

Both Ways Open jaws is just smug enough for you to wish it was wired shut. [Dec. 2001 p. 125]

Catastrophically, she's given up her trademark fruity sex rhymes, which leaves just mundane braggadocio and an unhealthy obsession with her ex-lover, Notorious BIG. [May 2003, p.109]

A very slick example of production-line soul. [Apr 2002, p.110]

It's disappointing this... sounds more like the work of bright, bored A-level students than British dance royalty. [Jul 2004, p.124]

Time for another rethink. [Nov 2012, p.96]

'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]

A frustratingly dull affair. [May 2012, p.109]

Frontman Matt Tuck leaves no cliche unturned in his angst-ridden lyrics and the second half of the album is weighed down by the leaden balladry. [Oct 2015, p.104]

Mostly, syrupy arrangements and obscure song choices spoil the flow. [Apr 2010, p.119]

Patchy... Little of his indignant bluster hits the mark. [Oct 2004, p.130]

No great leap forward here. [Oct 2015, p.106]

It could be high art. It could be utter bollocks. Either way, it's lovely when it's over. [Jun 2006, p.119]

Unlikely to return them to chart orbit. [Mar 2012, p. 97]

For all her Stakhanovite efforts and the title track's Hole-esque venom, the fact is she's yet to prove that it is music and not acting that is her true calling. [Oct 2009, p.112]

A step backwards. [May 2014, p.121

Her fifth solo album mixes positive-message R&B, hip hop and funk with variable and often unsubstantial results. [Mar 2010, p.110]