After 28 years, you'd think it would be tough coming up with new twists to captivate audiences. But apparently not for King George, whose latest album, Twang, is among the finest collections of songs he's released.

The final product exceeds the hype.

Like its predecessor, the stellar Sleepwalking is steeped in mature songwriting craftsmanship and versatile rhythms that encompass dance, reggae, hip-hop, and left-field ambiance.

The finest and most listener-friendly album of Gomez's 10-year career.

The duo's current sonic incarnation favors melody over mayhem, and all the better for it.

"Ringleader" proves Morrissey does not need to be miserable to make memorable music.

Not only is this one of the best new-artist debuts in recent memory (think Dixie Chicks in 1998), Lady Antebellum's self-titled set will go down as one of the year's best, period.

The recording is immaculate, the performance breathtaking.

By resolutely forgetting formula, Radiohead proves itself all the more relevant with Amnesiac.

Gone are the meandering Sonic Youth impressions, and in their place are imaginative songs that don't alienate.

Nothing they've done can match the pure pop beauty of "Puzzles Like You."

With the mesmerizing Alison Goldfrapp leading the way, a glam-rock fierceness reigns supreme throughout this stunning collection.

Sounds utterly contemporary even as it harks to the band's glory days.

"One Beat" is so rich with strong new ideas that the dense disc actually takes some getting used to, a real accomplishment for a band some already view as an acquired taste.

"Picaresque" is by far the Decemberists' best work to date.

Impassioned and bold, this record is a triumph.

A hauntingly beautiful album with tender, melodic pop arrangements that really make a lasting impression.

There is more than enough here to make up for any loss of zeitgeist-shattering impact the second time around. [28 Apr 2007]

Beyond the bookish lyrics, Malkmus has composed an album of brilliant songs, with creative intros, off-kilter arrangements, and well-placed effects.

This intimate, often breathtakingly beautiful collection (primarily produced by the artist herself) finds solace in the calm after the storm.

The group encapsulates the Atlantic seacoast just as 1980s twangers the dBs embodied the South and the Beach Boys captured California.

The trio's most complete effort since 1996's Stakes Is High.

A delicious blend of acoustic guitar, raw grooves and sublime melodies. [11 Feb 2006]

Here's a group at the top of its game.

One of the year's best. [29 Oct 2005]

Thanks to organic, piano-driven production, stellar storytelling and Sir's rededication to his vocal craft, this is a triumph.

Release couldn't be more lovely if it tried.

Exceptional technical ability, lyrical insight far beyond their years and unbridled exuberance merge into one of the most promising rock entrances since Radiohead's "Pablo Honey." [18 Feb 2006]