Despite the promise of her 2014 debut album ‘Goddess,’ many of the songs that comprise her follow-up LP devolve into plodding fare that fails to stimulate.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Usher’s Lackluster “Hard II Love” Proves Hard to Like
Regrettably, much of Usher’s eighth studio album sounds like the recycled and insipid sonic & lyrical trends we’re currently inundated with on the radio.
Read moreTeenage Fanclub Shine on Revelatory ‘Here’ | Album Review
Though the themes of time and experience guide the entirety of 'Here,' the middle-aged indie-pop vets refreshingly avoid sounding jaded or complacent.
Read moreDe La Soul Deliver Fresh Yet Familiar ‘and the Anonymous Nobody…’ | Album Review
The iconic Strong Island hip-hop vets' new LP proves an often moving return that salutes their longtime fans and demonstrates that their outsider spirit is still intact.
Read moreLisa Hannigan Mesmerizes with ‘At Swim,’ an Unequivocal Triumph | Album Review
One listen to this hauntingly gorgeous song suite and you’ll be basking in its ceaseless afterglow, compelled to listen again and again and again.
Read moreRóisín Murphy Returns with Bold & Brave ‘Take Her Up to Monto’ | Album Review
The Irish chanteuse’s fourth long player signals not the beginning, but the continuation of her refreshingly imaginative sonic explorations.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Aphex Twin Mystifies & Mesmerizes Once Again with ‘Cheetah’ EP
‘Cheetah’ continues Richard D. James’ descent into peerless places, wrapping one arm firmly around sequential digital bliss and the other around analog warmth.
Read moreMaxwell Astounds on Dazzling & Romantic ‘blackSUMMERS'night’ | Album Review
The undeniable beauty of Maxwell’s fantastic fifth album rests on the fact that he continues to pursue progressive territory, without missing a beat.
Read morecase/lang/veirs Craft Revelatory Masterpiece with Eponymous Debut | Album Review
Guaranteed to give you an incurable case of goosebumps upon first & repeated listens, the trio’s debut is a magical work of crystalline beauty, grace & depth.
Read moreBand of Horses Return Revitalized on ‘Why Are You OK’ | Album Review
A fine addition to Band of Horses' ever-evolving musical canon, the band's fifth LP is the perfect aural accompaniment to the summer days & evenings ahead.
Read moreFantastic Negrito Brings the Truth with ‘The Last Days of Oakland’ | Album Review
Introspective, aggressive, and inspired, ‘The Last Days of Oakland’ is an engrossing statement that could only derive from its bruised, yet redemptive hero.
Read moreChance the Rapper is Back and Better Than Ever on New ‘Coloring Book’ Mixtape | Album Review
With his new 14-track mixtape released exclusively through Apple Music, the charismatic emcee delivers his most consistently stunning song suite yet.
Read moreRadiohead Merge the Personal & Political on Absorbing ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ | Album Review
Radiohead’s ninth studio album further cements the band’s unparalleled musical legacy, one that continues to evolve and excite in the most dynamic of ways.
Read moreJames Blake Soars on Transcendent ‘The Colour in Anything’ | Album Review
Blake’s latest achievement reinforces just how unique and vital of a creative force he is. Album of the year, until otherwise notified.
Read moreBritta Phillips Shines on Enchanting Debut Solo LP ‘Luck or Magic’ | Album Review
Contrary to its title, the excellence of Phillips’ debut album derives neither from luck nor magic, but rather from her proven penchant for sublime songcraft.
Read morePJ Harvey Connects and Confounds on ‘The Hope Six Demolition Project’ | Album Review
Though it does not always provide the answers, Harvey’s ninth studio album and follow-up to 2011's 'Let England Shake' prompts many a worthwhile question.
Read moreUnderworld Return in Radiant Form with ‘Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future’ | Album Review
The revered duo sound more invigorated than they have in decades, suggesting that this next phase of their storied career will be a shining one, indeed.
Read moreJeff Buckley’s ‘You and I’ Hits Hard | Review
When you listen to ‘You and I’ for what it is and nothing more, what you're left with is immensely moving music that underlines what an incredible talent Buckley was.
Read moreLåpsley Navigates the ‘Long Way Home’ on Sublime Debut | Album Review
A stellar first formal step toward what seems destined to be a fruitful future ahead for the multi-dimensionally gifted British singer-songwriter-producer.
Read moreBonnie Raitt in Magnetic Form Once Again with ‘Dig In Deep’ | Album Review
With her signature mix of sophisticated swagger and raw emotion fully intact, Raitt’s 17th studio album is arguably one of her most rewarding efforts to date.
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