While The E.N.D may be the farthest The Black Eyed Peas have ventured outside traditional hip hop, the final product proves the group is best at creating their own conventions.

He's winking, sure, but this time it's through real tears. [Apr 2007, p.134]

While k-os's antimaterialist ranting can wear thin at times, Joyful Rebellion builds and improves on the rich, organic, live sound that made his debut, Exit, such a left-field hit. [Nov 2004, p.162]

A supremely confident dance record that also illustrates Spears's development as a songwriter. [Jan 2004, p.126]

Those looking for timeless music on Pray IV Reign may find their prayers unanswered. But if you’re one of Jones’ longtime disciples, Capo’s got you covered.

The disco ball might be unplugged, but Summer still shines. [July 2008, p.61]

Despite a few failed revolutionary anthems, DP still has enough verbal ammunition to ignite the mind. [Feb 2006, p.130]

Though not as raw as the original versions, due mainly to the sometimes overly polished production of her sons Donto James and Sametto James, Etta's raw voice alone helps to retain the melancholy moods of these tales of lost love, strife, and movin' on.

If there’s something the gifted singer-songwriter might want to learn, though, it’s the art of writing more memorable song lyrics.

While Acey's rhymes are consistently top-notch, the soundcraft here goes astray at times. [Aug 2003, p.154]

Five albums in, the Keys' reference points stay the same--Hendrix, Zeppelin, White Stripes--as their sound, now produced by Gnarls Barkley's Danger Mouse, grows even bigger. [May 2008, p.74]

Comes off likea rave-era update of Van Morrison's blue-eyed soul. [Feb 2003, p.138]

An optimistic and heartfelt album. [Aug 2002, p.165]

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

Well-crafted... offers a continuation of Quality's attempt to expand rap's topical terrain. [Oct 2004, p.185]

There are plenty of surprises on Suit. [Oct 2004, p.184]

Busta again shows the versatility of his flow, but it's the complexity of the words that may surprise you. [Jan 2003, p.127]

A consistently sold album. [Apr 2004, p.163]

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]

Ozomatli's joyful beats... pulse with defiance. [Apr 2007, p.132]