"Life in Cartoon Motion" is like Scissor Sisters-lite: Retro disco with heavy doses of rollicking piano and funk. [31 Mar 2007]

There is a little too much tra-la-la-ing, but it's a pleasure to hear a new band having so much infectious fun. [24 Mar 2007]

The melodies aren't always there, and the restrained production makes for an occasionally nagging sense of meandering. [3 Mar 2007]

Mark's sound here is cohesive and unified, though a pervasive midtempo vibe and downer subject matter (it's mostly a breakup album) tend to blur together. [3 Mar 2007]

The set as a whole lacks variety and rarely shifts tempo. [24 Feb 2007]

Lerche seems headed in a promising musical direction, but not all the songs here pack the expected punch. [10 Feb 2007]

In each case, a brand-new track has been crafted, but some work better than others. [10 Feb 2007]

"The Good, the Bad and the Queen" seems to be waiting for a payoff that never materializes.

Overall, worth a spin or two, but one hopes there's a better stash left to sample. [16 Dec 2006]

Songs such as the Rodney Jerkins-produced "Make It Last Forever" and "Get Up"... are surefire club hits, although such ballads as "It's Over" tend to fall flat. [9 Dec 2006]

Snoop has found a happy balance between pop and hardcore. [25 Nov 2006]

Sweet and pretty. [25 Nov 2006]

Even though "Doctor's Advocate" has its failings, it's a prescription that comes recommended. [18 Nov 2006]

It doesn't all hit home, but at its best ("Heaven/ Where True Love Goes," "In the End," "Green Fields, Golden Sands"), this record is uplifting enough to satisfy even a 30-year thirst. [18 Nov 2006]

It is simply miserable, heavy, repetitive and cathartic. [18 Nov 2006]

[It] flashes with moments of greatness. [9 Dec 2006]

For most of "Saturday Night Wrist," Deftones contentedly let their instruments wander, inventing a meandering soundscape that broods in near darkness. [4 Nov 2006]

Things hover uneasily somewhere between wholesale reinvention and mere superstar vanity project. [28 Oct 2006]

"Born" loses its focus amid unabashed nods to Burt Bacharach and songs that are just not done yet, despite smart tempo changes and pretty melodies.

Enigk's vocals here are as translucent as ever.

The new set goes just far enough beyond the call of duty to warrant repeat listens.

"Play" is light-years more enterprising than Diddy's sample-happy history might suggest.

[It] works best when he's rapping alongside guests.

Yet for all the headphone-worthy sounds, the pace seldom rises above a back-porch feel and, at times, the stickers meant for customizing the cover seem like more fun than the music.

Volume and snappy nods to '70s arena rock cannot obscure empty angst and lazy rhymes.

More often than not, even Shadow's most extreme sonic detours hit home.

Aside from a few catchy club tracks, there is nothing all that exciting about Chingy's third album.

This record isn't for casual listening, so those checking out the Mars Volta for the first time should take it slow to prevent a sonic hangover.