[Plans has] ginormous power-pop melodies in songs such as "Soul Meets Body" and "Marching Bands of Manhattan" and wussy-boy lyrics that'll make your heart grow a few sizes.

A couple of indiscretions taint the disc, but hey, nobody's perfect.

Songs like "Invincible" and "Do What You Want" don't disappoint and should be on the playlist for any retro dance party.

A dynamic piece of work.

With soft electronic rhythms and tape loops bubbling under, her impassive voice lays out rich lyrics as melodies build and explode around standout tracks like "Galaxies" and "Parisian Dreams."

Sessions is loose and fun and, while not blazing any trails, it doesn't sound like a bad karaoke night either.

The singer doesn't disappoint here, wringing out every strand of emotion in songs such as "Mississippi Girl," a strong return to her country roots.

The white-boy funk routine wears thin fast, but the overbearing Broadway-style ballads are even worse.

The rich pop melodies and soft psychedelic touches of songs like "Empty Room" and "Waves" remind us of Coldplay and Grandaddy.

Six albums in, Missy's recipe for success is still pretty fresh.

A set of really great songs.

Doesn't disappoint.

Even more of a musical jumble than her first album.

There are a couple snoozy and wonky moments among the hits, but Longwave is definitely worth warming up to.

Sadly, The Way It Is never quite lives up to the album it could have been.

Haunted Cities has more of a street-smarts vibe and is actually more listenable [than their debut].

The first half is instantly familiar, throwing up the same flurry of guitars and post-grunge drudge the Foos have been hammering home for years. The more laid-back stuff is... charming and warm.

[Shows] a renewed sense of purpose.

Some may call it repetitious, but with songs so beautifully crafted, everyone should agree that X&Y equals A.

A disc packed with so many surefire club-ready hits it'll be impossible to avoid these jams over the next year.

[Will] leave White Stripes' fans divided.

Tunes such as "Escondite Ingles" work in any language, mixing mad Latin percussion with big rock riffs and Carribbean rhythms.

It lacks the raw energy and tunes that made people want to hum uncontrollably in the shower. Worse yet, the brazen confidence the Gallagher brothers displayed during the early years has faded.

Get past the dark stuff and Demon Days reveals a stash of songs that are more fun than a Hong Kong Phooey marathon.

The Woods seems like a retreat into the '90s, playing up the grunge and angst of the band's Northwestern stomping grounds.

The foursome has still not found a common sound to call its own.

A sprawling, varied disc that's as laid-back as a cool summer afternoon.

Costa backs away from hip-hop beats and glossy pop melodies and instead digs into meatier classic-rock and soul influences like Sly Stone and Janis Joplin.