It's reminiscent of a time when bumpin' L'Trimm's candy-coated "Cars With the Boom" was the definition of fresh. [Aug 2003, p.154]

Frustratingly uneven. [Dec 2006, p.165]

While there's something joyful in the cacophony, the songs remain window dressing on the spectacle. [Oct 2007, p.94]

Ultimately, the moments of bare beauty on such tracks as "Your Cloud" and "Crazy" set Amos apart as a true original. [Dec 2002]

!!! certainly have talent and energy, but not the heart to self-edit. [Apr 2007, p.130]

While a few of these efforts fail in the funk department, the album never sounds derivative. [Sep 2005, p.230]

While less preposterous than her second album, The Id, this is still a frustrating piece of work. [June 2003, p.154]

This once-fiery, if rambling, thinker now sounds like a man cooled off. [Sep 2007, p.130]

Sermon's crisp production maintains a chill vibe, but the tight network of guests can't make up for his inadequate skills on the mike. [Aug 2004, p.141]

Eardrum lacks cohesiveness. [August 2007, p.75]

While she loses herself in Gwen Stefani-like posturing... Furtado masterfully combines Spanish and pop influences in her own unique way. [Jun 2006, p.164]

Something's off... ESG's doe-eyed charm... is missing. [Oct 2006, p.148]

Delivers a spiritual and political message that's both sensual and relevant. [Oct 2003, p.185]

Timberlake and Timbaland... write frustratingly awkward songs. [Oct 2006, p.142]

While his lyricism is as sharp and searching as ever, inventive musical moments are scarce. [Feb 2007, p.125]

Subpar sonically... Red Light doesn't push toward something greater. [Feb 2005, p.138]

With no real stand out single, All I Ever Wanted will be a hit with Clarkson die-hards, but is unlikely to influence any Top 40 outsiders.

Though Comfort Woman does not match the rebellion of past efforts, its overall joy is infectious. [Dec 2003, p.214]

KRS-One sounds as hungry and passionate as ever.... Unfortunately, a barrage of rigid, same-sounding beats and canned choruses detracts from Attack's effectiveness. [June 2001, p.154]

There is no doubt that Gwen Stefani is currently the most hyped up singer in the world; nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that she possesses one of the worst singing voices in pop-rock history.

It reeks of generic blandness. [Feb 2008, p.86]

Unfortunately, Sweat is affected by some forced collaborations and shallow subject matter. [Oct 2004, p.184]

Usher's back at ya with a consistent third album that has a good chance of staying afloat in a marketplace overflowing with crooning R&B clones. [Sep 2001, p.235]

His most stoner-friendly album to date. [Apr 2003, p.179]

The album falters when it ventures out of party mode. [Apr 2003, p.177]

Her fourth, The Element of Freedom, is full of straightforward pleas for affection that are neither outstanding nor run-of-the-mill.

Lovage only works some of the time--the record's sense of humor often trumps its music. [Feb 2002, p.123]

A decidedly mixed blessing. [Sep 2002, p.250]