Suddenly with these [guest MCs] additions, a sound that felt dusty and dilapidated is now exuberant. [Sep 2007, p.137]

Returns to the time-tested dancehall verities. [Sep 2004, p.232]

Funhouse is more haunting than amusing, but the solidarity that comes along with her recent divorce serves as the effort's muse and proves to be her best partner in life.

Not since Aqua has a group of cartoon-fixated, stylistically scatterbrained lunatics sounded so entertaining. [Feb 2002, p.121]

The superstar’s first album in three years is a solid, if not consistently energized tribute album to Lionel Richie.

Fire In The Hole is Brand Nubian at its revolutionary apex. [Sep 2004, p.233]

There is no doubt that Gwen Stefani is currently the most hyped up singer in the world; nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that she possesses one of the worst singing voices in pop-rock history.

Even when his words don't move you, Jaheim's gorgeous voice is a rare gift that anyone--male, or female, teenaged or middle aged--can appreciate when they hear it. [Mar 2006, p.185]

It reeks of generic blandness. [Feb 2008, p.86]

A breakthrough for Slum Village. [Jul 2004, p.138]

Unfortunately, Sweat is affected by some forced collaborations and shallow subject matter. [Oct 2004, p.184]

Usher's back at ya with a consistent third album that has a good chance of staying afloat in a marketplace overflowing with crooning R&B clones. [Sep 2001, p.235]

His most stoner-friendly album to date. [Apr 2003, p.179]

The result is arguably his best work contextually since "Death Certificate" itself.

Unexpected is natural, pleasant and brutally honest, opening the eyes of those who slept on Williams' skills.

Face Off is more fun than forced, full of exuberant dance ditties and training -bra snapping lullabies. [Feb 2008, p.86]

The album falters when it ventures out of party mode. [Apr 2003, p.177]

The results are moderately exemplary; a project heavy in power production, but skim on memorable showmanship.

A gleeful, idiosyncratic pastiche. [Nov 2006, p.156]

Although everything on The Ecleftic might not be for everybody, make no mistake, this album is ahead of its time. Forget about Britney Spears... Wyclef's done it again!

Sean Paul blasts off confidently into the future with The Trinity. [Nov 2005, p.147]

The only downside is that all the tracks sound similar. [Oct 2004, p.186]

Her fourth, The Element of Freedom, is full of straightforward pleas for affection that are neither outstanding nor run-of-the-mill.

Lovage only works some of the time--the record's sense of humor often trumps its music. [Feb 2002, p.123]

Ray Ray hits more than it misses in its celebration of a time when George was making the mothership connection and Marvin just wanted to get it on. [Nov 2004, p.160]

A taut, albeit less explosive, album. [Apr 2005, p.166]

Outside the beats, the other surprise of Kamikaze is Twista's more worldly and thoughtful subject matter. [Mar 2004, p.184]

While he excels in clever jousting, Banks lacks range and storytelling ability. [Jul 2004, p.136]