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

The bigger problem is Paul's unexpectedly anemic production. [June 2003, p.155]

Even if it doesn't always work, this is as imaginative an approach to hip hop production as the underground has ever generated. [June 2003, p.157]

This may be the first time Madonna hasn't pushed herself to explore new ground, but at least she's chosen a good place to rest. [June 2003, p.155]

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

There are plenty of dull moments on Level II, but the memorable ones keep the proceedings interesting. [Apr 2003, p.177]

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

The singer's most mature work to date. [Apr 2003, p.173]

With its ice-cold beats, smoldering bass lines, and shimmering textures, this is one of the most openly erotic albums British pop has ever given us. [Apr 2003, p.178]

The risks he takes with the production are a big part of the allure of God's Son. [Feb 2003, p.135]

Classic Mariah--for better or worse. [Feb 2003, p.137]

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

The album's most compelling moments recall the Doggfather's early days. [Jan 2003, p.125]

David's pasteurized pop may not be pleasing to all musical palates, but for many, he remains one of the United Kingdom's tastiest exports. [Jan 2003, p.130]

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

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

Endearingly anachronistic. [Jan 2003, p.128]

Recalls the early '90s work of A Tribe Called Quest. [Sep 2002, p.244]

Though T3 and Baatin's verbal syncopations punctuate Trinity's big-bottomed sound, their words are consistently trite. [Sep 2002, p.248]

Daybreaker is no less gripping for its optimism. [Sep 2002, p.250]

Reanimation's cross-pollination of high-level lyricism, trunk-rattling beats, heavy-metal riffs, and hard-core vocals makes for a rousing listening experience. [Sep 2002, p.244]

The perfect platform for Burke's unerringly tasteful phrasing. [Sep 2002, p.248]

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

Crackles with anger, energy, and defiance. [Aug 2002, p.156]

The commercial techno sludge of Oakenfold's songs on Bunkka suggests that he should have thought twice about veering from his career path as DJ du jour. [Aug 2002, p.160]

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

The Eminem Show is a brilliant piece of theater and a guilty pleasure. [Aug 2002, p.155]

Sounds like a watered-down Pearl Jam spiked with a drum machine and a couple of extra synths. [Feb 2002, p.123]