These bawdy Peter Pans of rock are more appealing when they summon their innate raunchy power, instead of coming off like a 2003 version of the Beach Boys with the sand washed off.

Musically, it's simply awesome, sounding not completely unlike early PJ Harvey... It's a shame, then, that the lyrics frequently don't cut it. [Amazon UK]

Trouble is, Chesney, who wrote or cowrote all 13 tracks, ended up with enough material for only half a record, and then repeated many of his ideas.

Fans of albums such as 2001’s From Chaos and 2003’s promising Evolver will likely find Tread familiar and perhaps even comforting, but it’s unlikely to invite a new horde of fans as the album often sounds like an imitation of the bands 311 helped inspire in its decade-plus career.

For every catchy electro-dance, there's a tune that leaves you scratching your head.

Noise Floor presents a mixed bag that will enthrall hardcore Conorites but leave others frequently reaching for the skip button.

Amarantine sounds like it was born in cloistered solitude, self-referentially echoing Enya albums past.

The acoustic guitars have largely been set aside on Chapter V, leaving Staind to pummel away at its troubles and hoping that people still have time to listen to self-pitying grown men moan about their dysfunctional childhoods.

While such willingness to experiment is admirable, in this case the attempt comes off as slightly desperate and too diffuse.

Committed Ja Rule fans looking for those signature hip-pop collaborations he's taken to the bank before won’t find them here.

Keith occasionally appears to be stretching himself... but often seems to be coasting.

Most of Light at the End of the World works within the familiar confines of the vintage Erasure formula, drunk on everyman synthesizers, listing through painfully vague and obvious rhymes.

Some of this music is oddly affecting; much of it is merely odd.

It has been said that Nelson can sing just about anything--which doesn't necessarily mean that he should.

A severe line-up change has left the Stills devoid of much of its original edge.

Bejar's warm, odd voice does not jibe well with the voice of the former Toronto Children's Choir singer.