I can't believe how harsh fans and reviewers are being here. Ms. Phair has made it so clear that she wants that one hit that'll make people sing along to their radios in their cars and I think the lead single off her self-titled LP, "Why Can't I" gets that job done perfectly. And moreover, she's very straightforward about how deliberate she wants to make this her accessible album. In fact, recently in TIME magazine, she said how her fans shouldn't worry because "there'll be a sixth album and an eighth album." And this album should be based on its merits. Compared to so much shlock that's being released these days, this CD is still genuinely good. It may not be Liz's best, but that doesn't mean it's outright crap. I don't understand how critics who pan this album are able to give artists like Beyonce Knowles or Justin Timberlake high marks on a clean conscience. Liz doesn't ditch her smart-alecky lyrics, which is clear in "Rock Me" and "Extraordinary." If Sheryl Crow had some more attitude, she could be almost as good as Liz. (Ironic to think that Liz sang back-up on "Soak Up the Sun" isn't it?) In any event, if there are any music fans who are having doubts whether to buy this album, don't judge your decision purely on reviews, because it's mixed. Sample tracks from the album and decide if it's for you. On a side note, Liz still has her edgy artistic side intact, if people would note the access available to her internet EP via the CD, once the CD is placed in a computer. Her internet EP proves to be a nice outlet for songs that didn't fit with the "mainstream" theme of the album. And on a last note: About the cover, after listening to the album, the cover seems sexy, not at all distasteful like a certain Rolling Stone "spread." … Expand

I can't understand how an artist can be so widely criticized for simply evolving. Sure, Liz Phair's self-titled latest sounds completely different, but Liz herself sounds better than ever. The album has a breezy, confident air about it. Yes, it's her most polished work to date, but the music ranks among some of her finest. Don't listen to the jaded naysayers; "Liz Phair" is an absolutely pleasure. Standout Tracks: "Red Light Fever", "Why Can't I?", "Little Digger", "Firewalker", "Favorite", "Good Love Never Dies"… Expand

Ridiculously good.Her most consistent effort since Exile.

Liz Phair is genius!! This is the new OK Computer.

everyone that has attacked liz for leaving her indie roots behind and selling out don't see the smaller details making up the bigger picture. ever since exile came out she has been going in a more pop direction. she has always hated indie. i do too. don't get me wrong i listen to indie music but the fans are horrid in how they throw stones at their fav artists who go the pop direction or sell out. well this cd is excellent. her best. to be honest exile sucked. i can't see why i even liked it and i go for that kind of music usually. anyway liz phair you go. this cd rocks!!… Expand

I actually hated the CD when I first listened to it, but the more I play it the better it gets. Yes, there are some stumbles on it, notably the music written by the Matrix. But even that is inoffensive at worst. The rest of the CD is fantastic as always. HWC, Little Digger, Bionic Eyes, Good Love never dies and Firewalker are five songs I can't stop listening to.

Now that Avril Lavigne is the new antichrist, I guess everything that gets associated with her is equally evil. This is a fantastic record, a good summer time that really does have a lot of emotion and a lot of spunk, in every definition of the word (seriously). I think if we weren't all obsessed with finding more masterpieces we could appreciate good, fun albums again as good and fun, and not expect every record to change our lives. That's what Liz is asking here, and it's good to know some of us are on board.… Expand

"Exile... " is single handedly the most overrated album of all time. Screw what all the critics say, this album is a freakin' masterpiece and Liz Phair's best album to date. One of the greatest records of the past decade!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a lot of respect for critics before this album came out. This is what completely changed my opinion. How dare you compare her to Avril Lavign. This is far from that. Get over yourselves. Lofi is dead and it wasn't really that great to begin with. In fact Exile is possibly the most overrated record of all time. Stop living in the past. So what if her sound is glammed up. When Courtney Love and Polly Harvey did it they got universal acclaim. But everything has to be compared to Exile for Liz. This isn't 1993! At least she didn't cop out by add 80s keyboards like everyone and their dog. Get Spaceegg and this record. This critics could kiss my big brown ass. Go back to your Battlestar Galactica and get the hell out of music cuz you have no idea what you're writing about.… Expand

I loved this CD it rocked I love the song "why cant I" and every girl knows when she thinks about that special someone, she takes a breath and holds it in just wishing and hoping that their guy was there with them...

Give this CD a chance. It's still alt-rock, only catchier than before. It's great!

When did accessible, crafty lyrics, catchy hooks and well produced riffs become so threatening? Liz already proved she's a powerful, credible artist-- Searching out a little mass appeal is her prerogative. And as a long time fan, I applaud her effort. I hope LIZ PHAIR sells 10 million copies, she deserves the success. To the 200-400 thousand misanthropes and critics who heralded 1993?s ?Exile?? as a seminal album and singular artistic achievement, I don?t disagree. But I also think it was the right album at the right time. Quit acting so betrayed by her current effort, it's only one stop on Liz's lifelong artistic roadtrip. (You might also want to quit pining after your high school crush, regretting the major you chose in college, and the job/relationship you've been stuck in since graduation. Grow up, move on, or go pin your frustrations on an artist who's similarly stuck in his/her past, or better yet, one who died trying to escape it. Plenty of those out there.) Congrats, Liz-- great stuff.… Expand

I am a long-time Liz fan, and despite how over-produced the cd may be, and how I almost must skip over the Matrix songs, I cant get enough of the rest. She's still the same songwriter she's always been.

Irresistably catchy and witty. Liz has changed, but who hasn't? If Exile was not the masterpiece that it was, would you be being so harsh right now? Hope Liz plays near here on her tour.

The response from Liz Phair's "old fans" only prove that indie rock fans, in intellect, are right up there with pro wrestling fans as the scariest people on earth: They breed, and once they're 18, they can vote. What a shame. Well, here's the truth: There are seven or eight truly classic songs on this CD. The Matrix can obviously turn anything into hits, and from the early sales returns, it appears this Liz Phair CD is going to be a monster hit. Boo hoo, indie fans, you who have somehow managed to equate good singing and songwriting as "selling out." Good lord.… Expand

I LOVE IT! I'm a convert! I never used to like Liz before, but this album really showcases her amazing voice. The tunes are catchy and I can blast them in my car.

Exile in Guyville is a great album indeed, but the craft here is arguably just as strong. Great music comes in all genres, all styles, all production styles. When pop music is this well-written, I graciously bow.

I mean what can I say, if you have been a Liz Phair fan so long like me, you've gotta love it! Any direction liz goes, no matter what, her music is gonna rock forever!!!!!

Yes, its heavily produced, but it still rocks, and Liz still has more to say than just about any other 10 artists you can come up with. One of the best 5 albums of 2003.

Leave it to Liz to do just what she pleases. This album rocks! Many people just can't deal with artists that step out of the niche that was foiseted upon them. A couple of tracks may be (gasp!) appealing to large groups of middle schoolers. Big deal. There are lots of different sentiments and sounds here...and, yes, a polished production. What I love about Liz is that she can say and be so many different things. And its as fun and unpredictable as ever.… Expand

What the f***k! Im a huge fan of Liz Phair and this album is her BEST! It contains very catching pop songs and is as explicit and sexual as I always loved it ! Im tired of stupid and fancy artfags critics that judge something good just because it is different, but in fact it is crap ! I really recommend this album for good pop lovers and especially for Liz fans because she gave her Best for this one ! Go LIZ PHAIR ! FUCK METACRITIC !!!… Expand

How in the HELL does fucking Fergie get a 58 and this record gets 40? This was the most played album on KCRW the year it came out. The most influencial station in the world. When even preppy, trendy college rock stations ignore the critics that's when you know the unemployment lines are going to get much longer.

Smart, fun, and catchy pop. It's perfect.

It's so funny when people degrade pop music just because it's pop music, regardless of its merit. Why are people allowed to experiment with any type of music except pop? Phair's album is a stellar piece of work, as are all her albums. Her talent shines through on each track regardless of genre. Well done!

While the songs sound way too polished, they are still fine pieces of music. I had the fortune to see her live @ Bonnaroo and was exposed to a few songs off this album there as previews, and I must say that live they had a raw sexuality that is a little lost on the recorded version. That being said, I still give this album a solid 9, as it is very impressive and I find it refreshing that a woman in her mid thirties can still be in touch with a younger mind without having to dumb down her lyrics. Much love Liz. Peace -- Mitch… Expand

When did accessible, crafty lyrics, catchy hooks and well produced riffs become so threatening? Liz already proved she's a powerful, credible artist-- Searching out a little mass appeal is her prerogative. And as a long time fan, I applaud her effort. I hope LIZ PHAIR sells 10 million copies, she deserves the success. To the 200-400 thousand misanthropes and critics who heralded 1993?s ?Exile?? as a seminal album and singular artistic achievement, I don?t disagree. But I also think it was the right album at the right time. Quit acting so betrayed by her current effort, it's only one stop on Liz's lifelong artistic roadtrip. (You might also want to quit pining after your high school crush, regretting the major you chose in college, and the job/relationship you've been stuck in since graduation. Grow up, move on, or go pin your frustrations on an artist who's similarly stuck in his/her past, or better yet, one who died trying to escape it. Plenty of those out there.) Congrats, Liz-- great stuff.… Expand

When did accessible, crafty lyrics, catchy hooks and well produced riffs become so threatening? Liz already proved she's a powerful, credible artist-- Searching out a little mass appeal is her prerogative. And as a long time fan, I applaud her effort. I hope LIZ PHAIR sells 10 million copies, she deserves the success. To the 200-400 thousand misanthropes and critics who heralded 1993?s ?Exile?? as a seminal album and singular artistic achievement, I don?t disagree. But I also think it was the right album at the right time. Quit acting so betrayed by her current effort, it's only one stop on Liz's lifelong artistic roadtrip. (You might also want to quit pining after your high school crush, regretting the major you chose in college, and the job/relationship you've been stuck in since graduation. Grow up, move on, or go pin your frustrations on an artist who's similarly stuck in his/her past, or better yet, one who died trying to escape it. Plenty of those out there.) Congrats, Liz-- great stuff.… Expand

This album is superb. All of her previous albums have been excellent, but this album is so much fun, and, as usual, her lyrics are witty and playful. I think that for anyone who doesn't like this cd or any of her other music I recommend seeing her live. She is sooooo sexy, so flirtatious, and so much better live than used to be now that she has somewhat gotten over her stage fright. Honestly, when you see the girl live you will understand what she is all about. … Expand

unfairly criticized. there's a lot of smarts underneath the shiny production. a very fun record.

Liz really did a good job on the album!!!!!!!. "Why Can't I": was the most popular song the yuear it came out....Such good lyrics and sounds.....I still dont know how this album only got a 40