Musically this is more varied and muscular than her debut ... vocally she rocks harder. And though she still ain't exactly perky, she does sound less sullen.

As lyrically inflammatory as ever.

If it's not his best, it's easier to warm up to than most of his solo releases.

In a meeting of the minds, the folk hero and the electronic-music guru produce an unexpectedly listenable collection of songs that doesn't really compromise either of their styles.

The music is as fine as the pairing is strange.

Two is his most highbrow effort yet.

This solo disc by Phish phrontman Trey Anastasio offers some delicious bait.

DOLL may lack style, but it makes it up with substance.

Looks back to prehistoric U2 and Cure records for inspiration.

In the tradition of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Woody Guthrie and even Bruce Springsteen, Earle has a knack for hard-nosed poetry.

Pretty much the same as his head-banging debut, only louder and with more keyboards.

Backed by 22-year-old grandson Cedric Burnside on drums and longtime slide-guitar partner Kenny Brown, the trio locks into a groove almost instinctually on tracks like "Skinny Woman" and "Goin' Down South."

It's [Lewis'] powerful voice and compelling storytelling... that makes the songs of busted relationships and failed faith really sting.

The Life Pursuit is all swaying tempos and vintage summer-sad melodies that sound like a postcard from home.

Beck's taken everything he's good at and made it better.

Slapping his knees, spitting and grunting, Waits makes the already raw blues sound of songs like "Metropolitan Glide" and "Trampled Rose" sound even more grizzled.

A weird ride, but a good one.

The perfect guest at your next guilty-pleasure dance party.

The strangest sensation? It's actually all pretty good.

Reaffirms the Los Angeles-based band's strong pop sensibility.

Not only is Depeche Mode virtually indestructible, the pioneering British synth-pop group also keeps getting better.

Lullabies to Paralyze explodes with tight, meaty riffs, enormous pop melodies and vocals that seem to come from outer space.

An urgent, soulful collection.

These are just good tunes, no matter what the window dressing is.

The electric mood of Adams' sophomore disc definitely reflects his good fortunes and knack for solid songcraft.

Maxwell's latest finds the steady and seductive soul-provider drawing more from the class of Marvin Gaye than the trash of R. Kelly--with a touch of spirituality thrown in.

Employment is thrilling from beginning to end, packing in 45-minutes of exuberant Britpop melodies, na-na-na choruses and buzzsaw guitars that make Franz Ferdinand look like a bunch of stiffs.

Even though he didn't use Godrich's elegant landscaping to its full advantage, we'll still listen to what this man has to say.