The band has energy and urgency anew.

Walk's mellow mood sidesteps the usual overly melodramatic soundtrack hoo-ha for a journey that works as well on the stereo as it does on the screen.

Stone navigates her way with confidence and prowess, passion and experimentation.

The B. Coming attempts to document the emotional upheaval Sigel went through during his trial and conviction, but from the start the sober moral tone and forced gospel choruses make it obvious the MC's mind is on other matters.

They've updated fuzzy '90s-era alternative rock while tinkering with becoming Northern Ireland's answer to Coldplay.

This gem glistens with bumpin' hits by Nelly, Clipse, Snoop Dogg and others.

Crazy and fun, this is for the people who thought Gnarls Barkley's album was a little too tame.

C&C's music factory comes across as a unique, modern perspective of both rock's past and present.

The album's bluesy Americana-inspired tunes like "Saving Grace" and "Turn This Car Around" are, sure, kind of predictable, but they make up for that by being pretty darn good songs.

The whole thing seems like a guided tour through the band's different incarnations.

The sophisticated retro-pop sound, dreamy melodies and soft electronic beats of Ivy do more to further international relations than any George W. Bush visit could ever hope to.

With loads of acoustic guitars and the Jayhawks' winsome country harmonies, this album looks back to the sound of Crosby, Stills & Nash.

So cool and so good that no one will even notice Meg White has been replaced by a mandolin.

Unless you are the president of the NRA or addicted to Cops-type tales, 50 Cent's debut is strictly small change.

Where the debut sometimes resembled a psycho-ward jam session, System serve up some surprising melodies on "Chop Suey!" "Forest" and the haunting "Aerials."

Along the way, it scores a lot of points, thanks to Nigel Godrich's earthy but twisted production.

On "Hands on You,"... Trice gets to show off his incredible lyrical flow alongside an unusually subdued Eminem.

Merely highlights all the weak spots, like the lifeless voice, generic MOR melodies and the highly noticeable lack of Jakob being Bob.

A packed 73-minute disc with breathy vocals, smooth R&B jams and seductive sentiments.

Futures goes back to the band's roots, sporting 11 sparkling gems that carefully balance balladry with bombast.

Just when the bombast teases with sounding like nails on a chalkboard, the band turns things around to remain more cool than annoying.

The production varies from understated to glossy, and Cash has enough presence to carry it all off.

A solid pop-rock album filled with brutally honest lyrics.

But for all their influences, the Anniversary retains its own personality, with a laid-back style and pizzazz that keeps this party a pleasant one.

Overall, a nice trip back to Plant's British folk rock and American blues roots.

Afrodisiac teases more than tantalizes.

Taken as a whole, Souljacker comes off so bleak it overwhelms the album's strengths, like its memorably catchy melodies and sonically brilliant tracks.

Mellencamp's crackling, gorgeous Heartland pop resonates more now than ever--even if, at times, he sounds like he's ripping off his best guitar moves.