Average Rating: 3.62 Rating Variance: 1.04 Objectivity Score: 78% (Well Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicA Fine Frenzy One Cell in the SeaA Fine Frenzy Bomb In A BirdcageHeard this at the full album listening party at amazon.com! More optimistic, playful, and upbeat than her masterpiece One Cell In The Sea, this is a great thing because it keeps her music fresh! Yet there are still beautiful ballads like "Bird of the Summer" and "Beacon." The sound never is forced. A Fine Frenzy creates another masterpiece! ABBA ABBA GoldABBA The VisitorsABBA ArrivalABBA Voulez-VousAimee Mann Bachelor No.2 (Or the Last Remains...)Alanis Morissette Jagged Little PillBarenaked Ladies StuntBlondie Parallel LinesBob Dylan The Essential Bob DylanBob Dylan Blood on the TracksBon Jovi CrossroadBruce Springsteen MagicBruce Springsteen The RisingBruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteen Born to RunChris Isaak Forever BlueChris Isaak Heart Shaped WorldCyndi Lauper She's So UnusualElvis Presley Elvis: 30 #1 HitsFirst Aid Kit Stay GoldFleet Foxes Fleet FoxesFoo Fighters There Is Nothing Left to LoseFountains of Wayne Welcome Interstate ManagersGarbage Version 2.0Garth Brooks Ropin' The WindGarth Brooks No FencesGreen Day American IdiotHAIM Days Are GoneIndigo Girls Rites Of PassageIndigo Girls Indigo GirlsIndigo Girls Swamp OpheliaThis is one of three classic albums from The Indigo Girls.. Amy and Emily create pure bliss together.Jefferson Airplane The Worst of Jefferson AirplaneGrace Slick is one of the most unique and powerful voices in rock. I think this album gets it just right with the songs chosen, too.Jimmy Eat World Bleed AmericanJoni Mitchell BlueJoni Mitchell Ladies of the CanyonJoni Mitchell CloudsJosh Ritter The Animal YearsKacey Musgraves Golden HourThe mid-tempo pop production doesn't wow you right away, but as the first song says, it's like a slow burn. It's ultimately unlike anything she has done before and very rewarding. I am changing this to a 5 because the whole album keeps you in a state of bliss. That's no easy thing to do.Liz Phair WhitechocolatespaceeggLiz Phair Exile In GuyvilleLucinda Williams Car Wheels on a Gravel RoadMadonna Ray of LightMadonna The Immaculate CollectionMary Chapin Carpenter Come On, Come OnMary Chapin Carpenter Stones In The RoadMetallica Master of PuppetsWhile not one of my all time favorite albums (I do like it, though), this is a classic in the genre.Michael Jackson ThrillerMichael Jackson Off the WallMichelle Branch The Spirit RoomPaul Simon GracelandPearl Jam TenPrince Purple RainThis album is a great example of why I am a pop fan. The best pop combines creativity with accessibility so well. I admit I do not like all his albums, but this is one of the best albums ever. RIP Prince - gone too soon. R.E.M. Automatic for the PeopleR.E.M. GreenR.E.M. Lifes Rich PageantRadiohead OK ComputerRegina Spektor Begin To HopeRegina Spektor FarI don't usually give classic status to albums I just heard, but I truly think this is good enough. Her most mainstream album yet, it is also her most amazing. Not many artists manage to combine accessibility with quirkiness like Regina does. The album is full of her beautiful piano playing and sparkling melodies. It even has bounciness - like on the opener "The Calculation." She does not venture into alternative rock on Far, but "Machine" is the closest, with its ominous mood and somewhat spooky chorus. Sarah McLachlan Fumbling Towards EcstasySheryl Crow The Globe SessionsSheryl Crow Sheryl CrowSimon and Garfunkel Sounds of SilenceSinead O'Connor I Do Not Want What I Haven't GotStars Set Yourself On FireSufjan Stevens Carrie and LowellTaylor Swift 1989Taylor Swift FolkloreThank you Taylor Swift for this surprise treat. Much appreciated in these hard times. Taylor Swift Red (Taylor’s Version)The Beach Boys Pet SoundsThe Beatles RevolverThe Beatles Rubber SoulThe Beatles Let It BeThe Beatles Abbey RoadThe Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club BandThe Beatles With the BeatlesThe Beatles 1The Beatles The BeatlesThe Beatles Beatles for SaleThe Beatles Help!The Beatles Please Please MeThe Beatles A Hard Day's NightThe Cars Heartbeat CityThe Cars Greatest HitsThe Chicks HomeThe Chicks Wide Open SpacesThe Chicks FlyThe Corrs Forgiven, Not ForgottenThe Corrs In BlueThe Corrs Talk on CornersThe Dollyrots Night OwlsThe Format Dog ProblemsThe Hold Steady Boys and Girls in AmericaThe Like Release MeIt's like a best-of CD of girl group-influenced songs! But it's more than just a throwback: there's some garage-y guitar, new wave, and Berg's very versatile voice.The National High VioletThis album has some of the most uniquely amazing arrangements I have ever heard. Combine that with super memorable choruses, the lead singer's achingly emotional baritone, and lyrics that define a stage of life, and you have a classic.The New Pornographers Twin CinemaThe New Pornographers Electric VersionThe Pierces Thirteen Tales of Love and RevengeThe Sundays Reading, Writing and ArithmeticThe White Stripes ElephantTori Amos Little EarthquakesU2 The Joshua TreeU2 All That You Can't Leave BehindWeezer PinkertonWilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot4.5 superbA Fine Frenzy PinesPines is different than her other two albums, with a quieter sound and more pure folk arrangements. The song I recognized most was "Avalanches," a folk/pop gem. Alison made me enveloped in the music and unique narrative, so for me, it works!ABBA Super TrouperABBA VoyageI just did a slew of ABBA ratings - this one ranks just below their classic albums. Very lively and the singing is still strong. Nostalgic but with a bit of a modern edge. ABBA ABBAAdam Lambert TrespassingDarker doesn't mean better. I feel both halves serve their own purpose and are equally great. Adele 25Aimee Mann @#%&! SmilersAimee Mann Mental IllnessI think Stephen Thomas Erlewine's All Music Guide review is perfect. I often like his reviews, and he was right on. If you hate acoustics, do not buy this. But if you do like them, this album will weave its way into your mind and the beauty will take hold.Alan Jackson A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'Bout Love)Alanis Morissette Under Rug SweptAlanis Morissette Supposed Former Infatuation JunkieAlicia Keys Songs in A MinorAmy Winehouse Back to BlackAndrew Bird Noble BeastAnna Nalick Wreck of the DayAvril Lavigne Let GoAvril Lavigne Under My SkinBarenaked Ladies Barenaked Ladies Are MeBarenaked Ladies Everything to EveryoneBarenaked Ladies MaroonBarenaked Ladies GordonBeck MutationsBelle and Sebastian The Life PursuitBlondie PollinatorNot quite Parallel Lines, but easily their best in a long time. It's also better than No Exit. Deborah Harry sounds fantastic even at 71. The songs are earworms of the best kind.Bob Dylan Love and TheftI think he was starting to lose his voice back then, but he doesn’t sound as ancient as he does on the new album. And the material is lively and top notch. Brandi Carlile The StoryBrandi Carlile Brandi CarlileBrandi Carlile Give up the GhostBrandi Carlile By the Way, I Forgive YouBrandy Clark Your Life Is A RecordHas a lot of brilliant songs, and while it can get a bit samey sounding, the songcraft is strong throughout and her songwriting has never been more clever.Bruce Springsteen Wrecking BallIts rootsy-rock combination is a very effective one - a little better than Working On A Dream, but I haven't heard enough musically special for it to be a classic yet. Still sure to be one of my favorites of 2012.Bruce Springsteen Letter to YouI love how energized the band sounds on this one! Listening more but this could be one of his best.Butch Walker Sycamore MeadowsButch Walker Left of Self-CenteredButch Walker I Liked It Better When You Had No HeartCamera Obscura My Maudlin CareerCarly Rae Jepsen EmotionCase/Lang/Veirs Case/Lang/VeirsCharli XCX SuckerChris Isaak Always Got TonightChris Isaak Speak of the DevilColdplay Viva la Vida or Death and All His FriendsCyndi Lauper True ColorsDamone Out Here All NightDelta Rae After It AllDido Life For RentDinosaur Jr. FarmThis is my first Dinosaur Jr. album, and it impresses! Drawing from 90s alternative, they also add a power pop dynamic that makes their style fresh. The lead singer doesn't always hit the right notes, and there's one long song too many, but those are minor problems when the album rocks like it does.Echosmith Lonely GenerationI disagree with Caleb wholeheartedly. I think the production is brilliant and even offers a new take on 80s pop. Sydney’s voice is strong and the sentiments are real.Eels Electro-Shock BluesEisley CombinationsEisley Room NoisesEisley The ValleyEisley CurrentsElectric Light Orchestra Alone in the UniverseEmmylou Harris Red Dirt GirlEnya Paint The Sky With StarsFefe Dobson Fefe DobsonFirst Aid Kit RuinsFirst Aid Kit's Stay Gold is one of the most beautiful albums you will hear. This one is a bit rougher and expands their horizons, but they do not lose their folk/rock charm. An early best of 2018 contender. Fleet Foxes Helplessness BluesFountains of Wayne Sky Full of HolesGarbage Bleed Like MeGarbage GarbageGarbage Beautiful GarbageGarth Brooks In PiecesGomez How We OperateGreen Day 21st Century BreakdownGreen Day Revolution RadioGreen Day SaviorsGuster Keep It TogetherHAIM Women In Music, Pt. IIIOne of the freshest sounding pop albums you will hear. Each song becomes like its own journey into the soul, feelings and talent of HAIM.Hey Monday Hold On TightCatchy, great vocals, lots of craft put into the music. I love it, and don't care what others think.Hole Celebrity SkinHole Live Through ThisIndigo Girls Despite Our DifferencesIndigo Girls All That We Let InIndigo Girls Look LongThe Indigo Girls sound completely invigorated. Definitely making some of their best music after all these years. Ingrid Michaelson EverybodyIngrid's Girls & Boys was a good album, but sometimes caught in a bit of an uncomfortable mix of intimate indie and mainstream pop. Here on Everybody, Michaelson goes for more hooks while keeping the arrangements from falling into blandness. Check out folky "The Chain" and "Sort Of," and the sweeping power pop of "Mountain And The Sea."Jenny Lewis The VoyagerJewel This WayJimmy Eat World InventedJimmy Eat World Integrity BluesJimmy Eat World SurvivingJohn Prine John PrineJoni Mitchell Court and SparkJosh Ritter The Historical Conquests of Josh RitterJosh Ritter The Beast In Its TracksKacey Musgraves Pageant MaterialKacey Musgraves Deeper WellKate Voegele A Fine MessKelly Clarkson My DecemberKelly Clarkson All I Ever WantedKelly Clarkson BreakawayLady Gaga The FameLaura Marling I Speak Because I CanLaura Stevenson Sit ResistLaura Stevenson WheelLaura Stevenson CocksureThis album just plain rocks! Even the "slower" songs build up. Another excellent album from her. Laura Stevenson The Big FreezeLaura Stevenson Laura StevensonDefinitely represents the indie/folk side of Laura, and the results are beautiful. There are a couple indie rockers to add some variety: “State” and “Sandstorm.”Lights SiberiaLights Little MachinesOk maybe it doesn't have a firm identity like The Listening and Siberia, but it takes the best from both those albums - the warm synth sounds and the edginess are blended together for a terrific listening experience.Lissie Catching a TigerUnique, special - that says it all for Lissie. I really think she'll make a classic someday.Liz Phair SoberishWhile not a return to the sound of her excellent early albums like the trailblazing Exile In Guyville and my personal favorite whitechocolatespacegg, they are the closest she has been to those in a long time. The songs have that personal, honest feel in the lyrics. The songs are more pop in the way they are more polished, but they are also minimalist and experimental. Not like the underrated but bowing to trends too much self titled album. You can see how strong artists from Phoebe Bridgers to Hayley Williams to Chloe Moriondo were influenced by her. Loretta Lynn Van Lear RoseLucinda Williams EssenceLucinda Williams World Without TearsLucinda Williams Little HoneyLucius Good GriefLucy Dacus Home VideoMadonna Confessions on a DancefloorMadonna MusicMandy Moore Amanda LeighMandy Moore Wild HopeMaren Morris HeroBeyond the excellent pop/country of songs like 80s Mercedes and Rich, there's a lot of interesting country/R&B here. Those songs aren't as well developed as the more poppy songs, but they could make for an even better album next time. Maren Morris Humble QuestMargot and the Nuclear So and So's The Dust of RetreatMariah Carey CautionMariah Carey Mariah CareyMary Chapin Carpenter The Things That We Are Made OfShows Mary Chapin to be at her introspective best! While there is a lack of fast songs, the songs are hooky enough and the instrumentation sharp enough not to get sleepy. Could be an underrated gem in her discography. Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into HellMelissa Etheridge Yes I AmMetallica MetallicaMetric FantasiesNot watered down at all. These are all very muscular and powerful rock songs with pop sensabilities.Michael Jackson BadMUNA Saves The WorldMy Chemical Romance The Black ParadeNeko Case Middle CycloneNeko Case Hell-OnWith each listen, it gets more and more interesting. And was quite good the first time. Stylistically, I hear elements of just about all her albums wrapped into a unique package. No Doubt Tragic KingdomNorah Jones Come Away with MeOasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory?Paramore After LaughterPearl Jam YieldPearl Jam BackspacerPhoebe Bridgers Stranger in the AlpsPhoenix (FRA) Wolfgang Amadeus PhoenixPink M!ssundaztoodPink Try ThisPriscilla Ahn A Good DayR.E.M. AccelerateR.E.M. New Adventures in Hi-FiR.E.M. EponymousR.E.M. Out of TimeRadiohead In RainbowsRamones Road to RuinRegina Spektor What We Saw from the Cheap SeatsRegina Spektor Remember Us To LifeRegina Spektor Home, Before and AfterRilo Kiley Under the BlacklightRilo Kiley More AdventurousRob Thomas CradlesongRobyn Body TalkSarah Jarosz World On The GroundShe always had immense promise, and this album delivers on it. She melds folk, bluegrass, blues and even some rock influence into a marvelous sound that is all her own. With very intelligent songwriting, too.Sarah McLachlan SurfacingShania Twain Come On OverSharon Jones and the Dap-Kings I Learned the Hard WayShe and Him Volume OneSheryl Crow WildflowerSheryl Crow C'mon, c'monSheryl Crow Tuesday Night Music ClubSinead O'Connor Faith And CourageSleater-Kinney No Cities to LoveSloan Never Hear The End Of ItStars In Our Bedroom After The WarStars The Five GhostsThe Five Ghosts is sentimental without being sappy and sexy without being forced. They utilize synthesizer in a thrilling power pop way, and use their sweet harmonies. Maybe one or two too many hazy ballads near the end, but otherwise, this is excellent even if it doesn't reach the heights of Set Yourself On Fire.Stevie Nicks In Your DreamsI think this album captures both the pop and blues eras of Fleetwood Mac well, while sounding modern enough. Terrific job, Stevie!Straylight Run The Needles, The SpaceSufjan Stevens IllinoisSugarland Love On The InsideSunflower Bean Twentytwo in BlueTaylor Swift FearlessTaylor Swift Speak NowTaylor Swift RedTaylor Swift LoverTaylor Swift EvermoreIt may not have as many stand out songs as Folklore, but it is almost as enjoyable. Have to let it sink in It is creative without losing the strength of the material, with exquisite melodies. It also is her best lyrically - even the overdone fantasy murder song is done well. She continues to grow very well!Taylor Swift Fearless (Taylor’s Version)The arrangements and more mature vocals maybe take some of the innocence out of the album, but the arrangements are never bad and it is neat hearing how Taylors these songs. I think a couple of the “castoffs” could have fit on the original album.Taylor Swift MidnightsTegan and Sara So Jealousthat dog. Retreat From the SunThe Beatles Magical Mystery TourThe Cars Shake It UpThe Chicks Gaslighter?Gaslighter,? a fun and uptempo country-pop tune, definitely does not set the tone for the rest of the album. The ralbum Gaslighter is creative, with many mid tempo songs and ballads. Lyrics skillfully address a variety of topics, rand the musicianship and singing are again top notch. It may actually be TOO ballad heavy, and ?Tights On My rBoat? fell flat, but those are minor gripes. A very successful return.The Corrs Borrowed HeavenThe Corrs Jupiter CallingA wonderful mixture of the more traditional and the more pop Corrs. Really too bad they don't get recognized like before. The Cranberries Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?The Decemberists PicaresqueThe Decemberists The Crane WifeThe Decemberists The King Is DeadThis album is growing on me even more. It's like a combination of Ryan Adams and Wilco alt-country mixed with REM mixed with Simon & Garfunkel mixed with their own quirkiness. Deceptively simple and a superb listen throughout. Not far from a 5, but I try to do only a couple of those a year at most. Could be a 5 later.The Decemberists What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful WorldThe Dollyrots Because I'm AwesomeThe Dollyrots A Little Messed UpOne of my favorite albums from one of my favorite artists. Kelly Ogden has one of the most charismatic voices in music, and the power pop springs to life.The Essex Green Hardly ElectronicNearly as good as Cannibal Sea. And just as rewarding a listen. They are masters of pop melody but can do much more, as their exploration of classic rock, a harder rock edge, folk and even roots country show. The Gaslight Anthem The '59 SoundThe Hold Steady Heaven Is WheneverThe Killers Pressure MachineTunefulness lessens their trademark bombast, but they haven?t gotten boring. It results in one of the best albums rthey have done. On first listen, the only weakness is a few songs seemed a bit long. Could grow on me even rmore.The Like Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?The Monkees Greatest HitsThe New Pornographers TogetherNot getting the average ratings for this so far. It has the bounciness of Electric Version plus the majesty of Twin Cinema. Might go up to a 5.The New Pornographers Mass RomanticThe New Pornographers Brill BruisersThe New Pornographers Whiteout ConditionsThey did it again! Makes me bob my head and want to move around as they always do. Very effective use of Neko Case also. There's always something different to enjoy in each NP album, and on this one there is a bit of psychedelic sound. The Pierces CreationThey make beautiful music, and this album doesn't disappoint at all. More production than before, but it complements their vocals perfectly. The Raveonettes In and Out of ControlThe Shins Wincing the Night AwayThe Shins Chutes Too NarrowThe Smashing Pumpkins OceaniaThe Veronicas The Secret Life Of...The Veronicas The VeronicasThe Wallflowers BreachThe Wallflowers Rebel, SweetheartThe Wallflowers Bringing Down the HorseThe Weather Station IgnoranceThe Weepies Say I Am YouThe Weepies make absolutely beautiful folk pop. From the beginning to the end, the Weepies let their harmonies and melodies shine through.The White Stripes Icky ThumpThe White Stripes Get Behind Me SatanThe White Stripes White Blood CellsThird Eye Blind Third Eye BlindThird Eye Blind BlueTilly and the Wall OTilly and the Wall Bottoms of BarrelsTori Amos Scarlet's WalkTori Amos American Doll PosseTori Amos Native InvaderHer most majestic and lyrically powerful since Scarlet's Walk. Tori is back!Tori Amos Ocean to OceanTravis The Man WhoTV on the Radio Dear ScienceU2 Achtung BabyVanessa Carlton Heroes and ThievesVanessa Carlton Rabbits on the RunWeezer The White AlbumZolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer Schematics4.0 excellentA Fine Frenzy Oh, Blue Christmas EPABBA Ring RingAdam Lambert For Your EntertainmentAdele 21Adele 30AFI Crash LoveAlan Jackson Here in the Real WorldAlanis Morissette So-Called ChaosAlicia Keys As I AmAly and AJ InsomniaticAly and AJ a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet...Always thought that they had a knack for hooks - I still enjoy Insomniatic. Glad to see them expanding their sound in such a enjoyable way. Amy Macdonald A Curious ThingAngels and Airwaves LifeformsAriana Grande Thank U, NextAshley Monroe RosegoldAu Revoir Simone Still Night, Still LightAvril Lavigne The Best Damn ThingBand of Horses Infinite ArmsBarenaked Ladies All in Good TimeBarenaked Ladies SilverballTheir knack for creating catchy, strong pop songs is back - though it lacks the uniqueness and wit of when Page was part of the band. Strong album and much better than their last couple albums but not like Stunt, Gordon, Maroon..Bea Miller AuroraI was debating giving it 3.5, but I think it shows growth from her previous album. While not being as power pop as I expected, it does have rock-infused grooves that are unique and well done. Definitely recommended!beabadoobee Fake It Flowersbeabadoobee BeatopiaBeach House Teen DreamBeck Sea ChangeBelle and Sebastian Write About LoveBen Lee Awake Is The New SleepBilly Joel River Of DreamsBlonde Redhead 23Bob Dylan Modern TimesBon Jovi Lost HighwayBritney Spears Femme FataleBrooke White High Hopes & HeartbreaksExcellent album from the former American Idol contestant. It is indeed a throwback to classic rock and has the passion and attention to songcraft needed to pull that off effectively. "Phoenix" and "High Hopes & Heartbreak" shake things up with upbeat guitar and dance beats.Bruce Springsteen Working on a DreamBruce Springsteen Devils & DustBruce Springsteen Western StarsButterfly Boucher FlutterbyCarly Rae Jepsen DedicatedVery polished - a little too much so, but still delightfully catchy. Thought Emotion was better because it was more nuanced musically. She has grown in her lyrics on this album, however.Carly Rae Jepsen Dedicated Side BCat Power The GreatestCheap Trick Bang, Zoom, Crazy…HelloA little straightforward and studio glossy, but it still is a pleasure to listen to their energetic rock. You end up just enjoying and singing along. Chloe Moriondo Blood BunnyChris Isaak Mr. LuckyChristina Perri lovestrong.Very underrated by professional music critics. It's rare to hear this much passion and soul in both the music and lyrics. And just think - she can do even better than the album lovestrong! It has a couple too many ballads, though I can't complain much since they are beautifully orchestrated. Coldplay ParachutesColdplay A Rush of Blood to the HeadColleen Green I Want to Grow UpCorinne Bailey Rae The SeaCrystal Bowersox Farmer's DaughterThere's certainly no sell-out here. With lots of emotion and not afraid to use swear words, she doesn't hold back. As a singer/songwriter CD, it's excellent. If you were expecting it to rock out, though, you'll be disappointed. Only "Kiss Ya" really rocks, and it uses a formulaic hard rock riff. Only flat out disliked "Hold On," though.Cyndi Lauper Bring Ya to the BrinkDave Matthews Band Busted StuffDave Matthews Band Before These Crowded StreetsDavid Bowie BlackstarDeborah Harry Necessary EvilDido No AngelDirty Projectors Bitte OrcaDuffy RockferryEisley I'm Only DreamingEmily Kinney This Is WarI don't understand the bad ratings. It is a bit twee, but catchy and very charming. Faith Hill It Matters To MeHer best CD. It's where the country and the pop mixes the best. Today, I have rated her other albums, too. Fefe Dobson JoyThe first few songs are good pop, but she really hits her stride with "Didn't See You Coming" and the songs after that. She really separates herself from the pop pack with rock, soul, and indie influences.Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt CuttersFleet Foxes Crack-UpFleet Foxes ShoreFoo Fighters Wasting LightFoo Fighters Medicine at MidnightFountains of Wayne Traffic And WeatherGarth Brooks Garth BrooksGarth Brooks SevensGarth Brooks ScarecrowGarth Brooks The ChaseGenesis We Can't DanceGoo Goo Dolls Something for the Rest of UsGoo Goo Dolls BoxesI kind of miss the guitar rock of the outstanding album Dizzy Up The Girl, but rarely is this album uninspired. It's familiar but not going through the motions. Lead single "Over and Over" is soaring, "So Alive" deserves to be big like "Iris" was, and the slightly folky "The Flood" is one that breaks new ground for them. Green Day WarningGreen Day ¡UNO!Grimes Art AngelsGrizzly Bear VeckatimestGuster Easy WonderfulGwen Stefani Love. Angel. Music. Baby.Halsey If I Can’t Have Love, I Want PowerHanson UnderneathHarry Styles Harry StylesHayley Williams Petals for ArmorHeather Nova SirenHey Monday Beneath It All"I Don't Wanna Dance," "Hungover," and "Mr. Pushover" are the most unique songs. The others are Kelly Clarkson meets Jag Star, and because I love both those artists, I like the whole EP. Hopefully the next LP continues their progress.Hinds Leave Me AloneHolly Brook Like Blood Like HoneyHootie and The Blowfish Cracked Rear ViewImogen Heap Speak For YourselfIndigo Girls Become YouIndigo Girls Come On Now SocialIngrid Michaelson Girls And BoysIngrid Michaelson Human AgainIngrid Michaelson Lights OutJanelle Monae The ArchAndroidJenny and Johnny I'm Having Fun NowJewel Goodbye Alice in WonderlandJewel SpiritJimmy Eat World Chase This LightJimmy Eat World FuturesJohn Mayer Room for SquaresJoseph I'm Alone, No You're NotJulia Michaels Not In Chronological OrderImpressive album. It is commercial, but doesn’t seem like just a product of current trends. She also brings lyrical wit to the table.Kacey Musgraves Star-CrossedKanye West GraduationKesha RainbowKT Tunstall Drastic FantasticKylie Minogue AphroditeKylie Minogue DiscoLady Gaga JoanneLaura Marling Alas, I Cannot SwimLights The ListeningLights Skin and EarthIt?s not as genre bending as Siberia and sometimes gets lost in pleasant background music, but the many highlights take her electro-pop sound to new levels. Another very enjoyable album from Lights!Lily and Madeleine Keep It TogetherA small step down from their previous album due to too much cluttering with electronic pop arrangements. More guitar and acoustic would be good. They are unique though and the songs are still enjoyable.Lissie CastlesLiz Phair Somebody's MiracleLorde MelodramaLorde Solar PowerLori McKenna The TreeYes, the arrangements are simple, but that doesn't mean they are boring. She again produces strong lyrics and has an emotive voice. Lykke Li Wounded RhymesMadonna American LifeMadonna MDNAMae The EverglowMalin Pettersen WildhorseMandy Moore Silver LandingsMargo Price That's How Rumors Get StartedMargot and the Nuclear So and So's Not Animal.Marina The Family JewelsMatchbox Twenty Yourself or Someone Like YouMelissa Etheridge BreakdownMetallica Death MagneticMetric Live It OutMichelle Branch Everything Comes and GoesMichelle Branch Hopeless RomanticMichelle has done an excellent job of upgrading her signature pop sound with R&B, electronic, and classic rock flavors. As groundbreaking as The Spirit Room is, she needed to grow as an artist as expected after such a great album, and she did. Hopeless Romantic is long, but no wonder after so much time trying to get new music out. My only complaint is it "simmers" a little too much without enough "snap." Definitely though confirms her as a musical force. Miley Cyrus Plastic HeartsBy FAR the best Miley Cyrus album. The rock sound suits her voice the best. She also does well on certain country where her rootsy timbre can show. Maybe that kind of album is next. Miranda Lambert WildcardWhile it is more mainstream than her other albums IMO, it never drags or suffers for it. That it sounds so fresh is a testament to Miranda’s talent and witty lyrics. Natasha Bedingfield Strip MeMuch better than many reviewers are saying. More rocking than usual from her, and the ballads never drag.Neko Case The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight...Nelly Furtado Whoa, Nelly!Nirvana NevermindOlivia Chaney ShelterWhile she's a little too shrill at times, much of this is beautiful music. An artist to watch for sure.Orianthi BelieveOur Lady Peace Burn BurnParamore The Final Riot!Paramore Riot!Hayley has a terrific voice. And while a few songs fall into pop/punk imitator territory, there is more confidence and less awkwardness than on All We Know Is Falling. Paramore Brand New EyesYou can clearly hear Paramore growing up on Brand New Eyes. The intensity of "Careful" and "Ignorance" hits you right away. They better "Misery Business." Hayley is a good enough singer to handle it. Ballads like "Misguided Ghosts" are unlike what they have ever done before. And when the songs have pop hooks, like on "Brick By Boring Brick," they match "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic," "When It Rains," and "Crushcrushcrush" from Riot! Brand New Eyes might not change the world of music, but sometimes just good old music is enough.Paris Jackson wiltedWhile the lyrics be cringe worthy at times, this is a delightful listen. It is not like her dad’s music at all. Much closer to a singer-songwriter album. It is atmospheric, but one thing she inherited is a knack for hooks.Paula Abdul Forever Your GirlConsistently well done 80s dance pop, with "Straight Up" and "Forever Your Girl" rising above the rest. Her voice, while thin, has a sprightliness that fits the music. Pearl Jam Pearl JamPearl Jam Riot ActPearl Jam BinauralPearl Jam Dark MatterPhoebe Bridgers PunisherPink FunhousePink Beautiful TraumaPJ Harvey Stories From The City, Stories From The SeaPJ Harvey Uh Huh HerR.E.M. RevealR.E.M. MonsterR.E.M. UpR.E.M. Collapse Into NowExcellent album.. it's like a little bit of Automatic For The People combined with Monster combined with Accelerate. My one complaint is that they aren't growing as a band or quite equaling their best work. The last song is the only one that stretches. But just based on song quality, it doesn't disappoint.Rihanna Good Girl Gone BadRogue Wave PermalightRyan Adams 29Sade Soldier Of LoveSarah Fimm Red Yellow SunReminded me in a strange way of Loreena McKennitt meets Sinead O'Connor meets Peter Gabriel.. very interesting listen. It just requires you to listen closely to get the full effect.Sarah McLachlan AfterglowSarah McLachlan Laws of IllusionShakira Laundry ServiceShania Twain The Woman in MeShania Twain NowShe and Him Volume TwoSheryl Crow DetoursSheryl Crow Be MyselfSigur Ros Takk...Sky Ferreira Night Time, My TimeSt. Vincent ActorSt. Vincent Marry MeStars No One Is LostStars From Capelton HillIt is pretty basic Stars album, but just a good Stars sound is enough. They always keep from sounding stale. Stone Temple Pilots Stone Temple Pilots (2010)Sugarland Twice The Speed Of LifeSugarland Enjoy The RideTaylor Swift Taylor SwiftTaylor Swift The Tortured Poets Department (Anthology)Tegan and Sara SainthoodThe All-American Rejects Move AlongThe Cars Move Like ThisThe Chicks Taking the Long WayThe Civil Wars Barton HollowThe harmonies on this album are tremendous. Some of the best you'll hear. They help get the album through a couple of draggy spots.The Cranberries No Need to ArgueThe Dollyrots The DollyrotsThe Dollyrots Daydream ExplosionsIt’s nothing different from them, but when they do this power pop so well, why change? It never gets tiresome.The Donnas Bitchin'The Donnas Gold MedalThe Donnas Spend the NightThe Duke Spirit NeptuneThe Gaslight Anthem American SlangThe Hold Steady Open Door PolicyThe Killers Hot FussThe Lemonheads The LemonheadsThe National BoxerThe Postal Service Give UpThe Sounds Dying to Say This to YouThe Tallest Man on Earth The Wild HuntThe Thermals Now We Can SeeThe Veronicas Hook Me UpThe Wallflowers Red Letter DaysTim McGraw Set This Circus DownTinted Windows Tinted WindowsTori Amos From the Choirgirl HotelTori Amos The BeekeeperTorres ThirstierU2 No Line on the HorizonExcellent album, yet it is not one of their very best after a few listens. Does sound fresh, though not as fresh as Achtung Baby.U2 How to Dismantle an Atomic BombU2 Songs of InnocenceU2 Songs of ExperienceIt would be nice for U2 to have a late career classic. This isn't it, but if you are fine with U2 doing the familiar reasonably well, you will enjoy this album.Vanessa Carlton HarmoniumVanessa Carlton Be Not NobodyVanessa Carlton Love Is An ArtI was really surprised to hear the psychedelic type haze on this album. She pulls it off well, because she hasn?t lost her gift for melody. It is also nice to hear her challenge herself. I do miss the piano a little, though.Vedera StagesVeruca Salt Ghost NotesIt's very similar to their two great albums - American Thighs and Eight Arms To Hold You. Actually better lyrically with more emotional depth. Production is good, but the songs could have a feeling of more joy - it also sounds a bit similar, but if you listen closely, you can find things you didn't hear before. Great to have them back!Vivian Girls Vivian GirlsWaxahatchee Tigers BloodWeezer The Green AlbumWeezer HurleyWilco Wilco (The Album)Wilco Star WarsWilco SchmilcoWilco Cruel CountryZella Day Kicker3.5 greatABBA WaterlooAgainst Me! White CrossesAlanis Morissette Flavors of EntanglementAlanis Morissette Such Pretty Forks in the RoadHer voice has never sounded better, and the lyrics are an insightful chronicle of her various experiences while getting older. Musically it feels a bit one dimensional, however, and leaves you wanting more.Alice Phoebe Lou GlowAllison Iraheta Just Like YouBringing her own raw, raspy attitude to her debut CD, Allison has made one of the best Idol debut CDs. Yes, it's mainstream, but she really was on Idol, too - I think she shows more of herself on the album than she was able to on Idol. Can she stretch more musically? Yes, but give her time.Aly and AJ Into The Rush (Deluxe Edition)Aly and AJ Into The RushAmy Millan Masters of the BurialAnna Burch Quit The CurseArcade Fire The SuburbsAriana Grande Dangerous WomanAutomatic Loveletter Truth or DareGood pop album; her voice has an interesting tone to it, and there are standouts like "Heart Song" and "Fade Away." The thing that needs improvement for next time is tempo. Too many songs are solid but wear thin.Ava Max Heaven and HellAvril Lavigne Love SuxAvril Lavigne Head Above WaterBat For Lashes Two SunsBest Coast Crazy For YouBeyonce I Am... Sasha FierceBilly Ray Cyrus Some Gave Allblink-182 Enema Of The StateBon Jovi CrushBritney Spears In the ZoneBroken Bells Broken BellsBrooks and Dunn Hard Workin' ManCare Bears on Fire Get Over It!Even though the singers in this group are young teens, they have much more sass and catchiness than Miley Cyrus has even now. The musicianship is also impressively sturdy. The lyrics are clearly directed towards the young crowd. But if you tune out that fact and focus on the music, the album is lots of fun for anyone.Carly Rae Jepsen KissCarrie Underwood Some HeartsCarrie Underwood Play OnThis is a bigger, more diverse album than before, but vocally Carrie is up to the task. Some of the lyrics are a little preachy, and again there is some filler, but she makes up for it with scorchers like "Songs Like This" and "Cowboy Cassanova," beautiful ballads like "Someday When I Stop Loving You" and "What Can I Say," and the sly pop/country mix of "Quitter."Chevelle Sci-Fi CrimesChris Stapleton Starting OverColdplay X&YColdplay A Head Full of DreamsCompany Of Thieves Ordinary RichesCounting Crows Somewhere Under WonderlandA bit Counting Crows on autopilot, but even that is an enjoyable listen.Cowboy Junkies All That ReckoningMargo's voice really makes this album work. Could easily sound average in the hands of someone else.Cyndi Lauper Hat Full of StarsDebbie Gibson Electric YouthI loved this as a kid, and it still is pretty good. The only one of her albums still worth listening to.Dido Safe Trip HomeDolores O'Riordan No BaggageThe first two songs gave me a big "uh oh," but fortunately, the album gets much better after that. "It's You" and "The Journey" are tremendous pop songs. "Apple Of My Eye" is an engaging slow burner. The rest is pretty similiar to Are You Listening - it's good she's out of her Cranberries comfort zone, but nor does she hit the highs of much of her Cranberries stuff. Eels Hombre LoboErin McCarley Love, Save the EmptyEvanescence The Open DoorFaith Hill BreatheFaith Hill Take Me As I AmFeist The ReminderFiona Apple When the Pawn...Fiona Apple TidalGarbage Not Your Kind of PeopleGarbage No Gods No MastersIt’s quite rocking. You can really hear the guitar, rumble and thump. I think it elevates otherwise more pedestrian material. Goo Goo Dolls Chaos in BloomNice to see them expanding their sound while not going generic. Still, I missed the hooks they are known for.Hailey Whitters The DreamHer voice is thin, and that undermines an otherwise good album. There are some strong hooks here, but sometimes the arrangements don’t do them justice.HAIM Something To Tell YouRhythms can get a little too plodding with the same bass sound. Not the modem classic of Days Are Gone. Harmonies remain great though and there are some excellent songs - "Little of Your Love" is gloriously catchy and "Right Now" makes its mid tempo sparkle. Hanson Shout It OutImagine Dragons Smoke + MirrorsIron And Wine Kiss Each Other CleanJessie James Jessie JamesJewel Pieces of YouJohn Mayer Battle StudiesJonas Brothers A Little Bit LongerJordin Sparks Jordin SparksJosh Ritter So Runs The World AwayBig fan of Josh - The Animal Years and The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter are at the elite of singer/songwriter albums. While still good, I was a little disappointed in this CD. It still has catchy pop gems - "Change Of Time," "Lantern," and "Orbital" - but it's lacking in songs like those that we know well from him. It's a little low on energy. Stand out ballads include "Folk Bloodbath" and "The Curse." Other ballads are fine but rely too much on similar strumming and his still-strong storytelling lyrics. The only real missteps are "Rattling Locks" and "The Remnant," where he tries to sound like Tom Waits. Those two songs have rhythms that go nowhere.Katy Perry One of the BoysCatchy pop with occasionally clever lyrics and vocals with loads of energy. There are definitely a few pop gems here.Katy Perry Teenage DreamKaty Rose Because I CanKeith Urban Get CloserKelly Clarkson ThankfulKelly Clarkson StrongerSounds like she was on the verge of more with an updated pop/R&B sound, but the record company reined her in. Still a good album with some standout songs ("Darkside," "Stronger," "Standing In Front Of You," "I Forgive You," "You Can't Win," "Breaking Your Own Heart").Kesha AnimalKesha CannibalI think her lyrics are really funny. An exception is "Cannibal," where the Dahmer reference is inappropriate. Overall, if you found Animal to be a guilty pleasure, you will like this EP.Kesha WarriorKesha High RoadHonestly it is not bad at all. Kind of bridges the gap between Animal and Rainbow without quite as many highs as Rainbow (still her best album).KSM Read Between The LinesThis is actually very good bubblegum rock. It really is more inspired by bands like the Go Gos than other Disney stars. The biggest negative is the lead vocals, which sound solid but unseasoned. But the lead singer IS only 16.KT Tunstall Tiger SuitLana Del Rey Born to DieLaura Veirs July FlameLauren Harris Calm Before the StormLeona Lewis EchoLifehouse No Name FaceLittle Big Town NightfallHad to review again. First time I think I was expecting it to be too much like before. They didn’t set out to make hits on this one. It is a pretty album with emotional songwriting, but the album is still TOO ballad heavy for me. The fun song, Wine Beer Whiskey, is a bit annoying. But the quality is usually there. Maisie Peters You Signed Up For ThisIt has solid hooks but I think the lyrics are the star of the album. That is rare in pop music. Maren Morris GirlMarissa Nadler Marissa NadlerMeat Loaf Bat Out of Hell IIIMeg and Dia Here, Here and HereI thought this was a better CD than their first CD, which had bland hooks. This one adds some variety and also is less stiff.Meghan Trainor TitleShe has a strong voice and her girl group meets old school hip hop style produces some classic melodies like "Close Your Eyes." Album cries out for a little more depth though that matches her voice/sound.Melissa Etheridge Fearless LoveDecent Melissa Etheridge music - no more and no less. It would be nice if she did more music different than the usual big production and dramatic vocals, like on the Indian-flavored "We Are The Ones." A very solid listen, though.Melissa Etheridge The AwakeningMelissa Etheridge SkinMGMT CongratulationsSounding somewhere between the Shins and the Flaming Lips, MGMT have created a good indie record - you won't like it as much as any Shins album so far, but the experimentation is a lot more interesting than what the Flaming Lips do.Michelle Branch The Trouble With FeverThere are good songs here that are cluttered by production that gets in the way of her melodies. You keep wanting those melodies to break free. I am a fan of her and was hoping for better.Miranda Lambert The Weight of These WingsThere are good songs here, but they don't come out well enough in the tin can production that isn't even that raw. Her voice is also oddly shoved into the background. A bit disappointed. No Doubt Push and ShoveNorah Jones The FallParamore All We Know Is FallingPatti Smith HorsesPaul Simon So Beautiful or So WhatPeter Bjorn and John Writer's BlockPJ Harvey Let England ShakeThere's excellent storytelling here. And it has some good melodies. However, P.J. Harvey deserves better than the light arrangements and so much use of her high register. R.E.M. Around the SunRadiohead Kid ARadiohead Hail to the ThiefRaelynn WildHorseShe's kind of finding her way on this album, and she does not have the best vocal range. But it's an enjoyable listen with some good storytelling. Rooney EurekaSabrina Carpenter Emails I Can't SendSeaway Big VibeSelena Gomez When the Sun Goes DownActually an improvement over her last CD. More fun, entertaining, and hooky. Also even a little adventurous for this kind of pop, as on the ballad "We Own The Night" which is with Pixie Lott.Sleater-Kinney Path of WellnessSleigh Bells Reign of TerrorSpinnerette SpinneretteAt times the album bursts with rock energy, and at other times it builds up tension. It's just too bad the music isn't a little looser, as it gets a bit weary over a whole album.St. Vincent Daddy's HomeI really enjoy her more soulful entries here. It is when she is more her usual self that sometimes the songs sound like inferior versions of past work.Steve Earle I'll Never Get Out Of This World AliveSugarland BiggerThey are trying hard for hits here and lost some individuality. But many of the songs have good, catchy hooks - and there are affecting ballads. Points for taking some bold stances in country music, too.Taking Back Sunday New AgainTaylor Hicks Taylor HicksTaylor Swift ReputationI think the New York Times review is pretty spot on in this case. She does an admirable job of fusing other elements of pop to her signature sound. It's also a deeper album than one might suspect from the released singles. "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" has a girl group bounce, "New Year's Day" is a beautiful acoustic ballad, and "Don't Blame Me" as a sparkling R&B groove. Her voice is a bit limited on the album, and I was wishing for more songs like the more Taylor-like "Getaway Car," but overall the album is another big success for Taylor.The Click Five Greetings from Imrie HouseThe Cranberries Bury the HatchetThe Killers Sam's TownThe Killers Wonderful WonderfulThe Mars Volta OctahedronThe New Pornographers In the Morse Code of Brake LightsHooks are still excellent, and the string heaviness provides a new dimension. But the murky production is a distraction. I had to turn up the headphones to get better sound. The Pretty Reckless Death By Rock and RollThe riffs are simple, but are at least hard hitting. Her voice elevates this more - she is a very gifted vocalist. The Ting Tings We Started NothingThe Veronicas GodzillaIt is more uneven than their other albums. “Godzilla,” while fine, doesn’t really fit. Some others, like “Supernatural Girl,” are misfires. But it overall is a very good listen with some of their best songs like “Stealing Cars,” “In My Blood” and “Silent.”Third Eye Blind Ursa MajorTiny Vipers Life on EarthTV on the Radio Return to Cookie MountainYeah Yeah Yeahs It's Blitz!3.0 goodAce of Base The SignAriana Grande My EverythingAshley Tisdale Guilty PleasureOK, I'll get one thing straight. Ashley is not a very good singer. But what she does have is a bit of personality, and given some tastefully catchy songs, Guilty Pleasure really IS a guilty pleasure. Although she wanted to be more grown up on this CD, it really just comes across as more mature bubblegum than her last album.Avril Lavigne Goodbye LullabyBea Miller Not an ApologyHer vocals are mature for her age for sure. The songs are solidly catchy pop songs. There is nothing here that Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson haven't done better though. It is fun, but unremarkable. An artist to watch, however.Beck Midnite VulturesBeyonce 4Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?blink-182 Blink-182Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy WaysI might be the lone voice of dissent, but I don’t think his voice has it anymore, and I do not care for the jazzy, bluesy arrangements. His lyrics are still strong and are the reason the album isn’t a failure. He is really a brilliant wordsmith, as when he decries greed and selfishness. The lyrics raise it to a 3.Bon Jovi BounceBrie Larson Finally Out of P.E.Obviously has a much younger target audience than me. But keeping that in mind, it isn’t bad. She chose acting, but could have been a good music artist.Britney Spears CircusBritney Spears BritneyBritney Spears Britney JeanButterfly Boucher Scary FragileCarrie Underwood Carnival RideCarrie Underwood Cry PrettyCeline Dion Falling into YouCharli XCX True RomanceChristina Aguilera Back to BasicsColbie Caillat All of YouCourtney Love America's SweetheartDavid Gray FoundlingGray sounded like he was going to do something interesting when I heard the first couple tracks - but after that, the arrangements are sparse and his voice sounds more detached than before. This is ok for background music, but doesn't go beyond pleasant.Debbie Gibson Out of the BlueI think it has a sweet innocence while many pop productions today are glossy. After Electric Youth, Debbie herself became overproduced.Duffy EndlesslyDum Dum Girls I Will BeEvanescence FallenFaith Hill FirefliesFlorence and the Machine LungsFlyleaf Memento MoriIt's ok. I think Hayley brings more power and Paramore has better hooks.Foo Fighters Concrete and GoldGarth Brooks Fresh HorsesGarth Brooks Man Against MachineHave to admit I was disappointed with this album. Sure it's very listenable, but just look at the first song - "Man Against Machine" is fun but does not rival arena rockers such as "Ain't Goin' Down Til the Sun Comes Up." Garth knows how to do a good message song - "We Shall Be Free" was sharp and insightful. But here they often fall flat - "People Loving People" is just plain lazy, and can babies really think the way the baby does in "Mom"? The best songs here have a more old style sound like "Cowboys Forever."Goo Goo Dolls Let Love InGood Charlotte CardiologyHookier and more fun than I thought it would be from the reviews. Lyrics are awful, though, and the vocals pretty ordinary.Hanson Middle of NowhereHey Violet From the OutsideImogen Heap EllipseIngrid Michaelson It Doesn't Have to Make SenseIt could have been a good back to basics kind of album, but nothing really here has the hook saviness of "Girls Chase Girls" or the depth and beauty of her best ballads. So it ends up sounding like a run of the mill singer songwriter album. Best songs are "Hell No" and "Another Life."Jack White BlunderbussJakob Dylan Women + CountryJason Castro Jason CastroJewel Sweet and WildThe production is a little too smoothed over compared to Pieces of You. Also does not have as many strong songs, but at least is consistently solid. And she IS a better singer now. John Mayer Heavier ThingsJordin Sparks BattlefieldBattlefield is an album of solid ballads and Rihanna-style R&B. The best of the upbeat songs is "Emergency"; that should have been the single instead of "Battlefield." I didn't like the re-make of "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" because she sings it too sweetly. In fact, it's a problem in general that she sings the ballads pretty similarly. It's a good thing the production is well done by the typical hit-makers.Katharine McPhee Katharine McPheeKatharine McPhee UnbrokenKaty Perry PrismKelly Clarkson Piece by PieceVoice is good as always.. lyrics are solid. The 80s tinged light electronic sound doesn't always do her her voice justice through. Often they compete with her vocals. Still worth having but not her strongest. Lady Gaga ChromaticaIt’s too electro-dance heavy for me and the grooves need to vary more. The standouts are “Alice,” “Stupid Love,” “Sine From Above,” and “Babylon”. The album does make you feel good when you listen to it, and we need that in these times. But I was expecting something more exciting. Lifehouse Smoke and MirrorsLindsay Lohan SpeakLiz Phair Liz PhairLucinda Williams WestMadonna Hard CandyMadonna Rebel HeartHas grown on me a little, but still sounds too desperate to keep up with trends. Instead of expanding the dance genre limits like on Ray of Light and Confessions, she works with artists like Nicki Minaj. Best are ballads like ""Ghosttown," "Joan of Arc," and "Heartbreak City." There are also nice detours like the folky-dancy "Body Shop." I recommend the album for fans.Mandy Moore Mandy MooreMandy Moore CoverageMariah Carey Music BoxMariah Carey EmotionsMarilyn Manson Mechanical AnimalsMatchbox Twenty Mad SeasonMelanie C Melanie CSolid, danceable pop album that doesn’t do much to distinguish itself.Metric SyntheticaMichael Jackson DangerousDoesn't match up with Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad, as his vocals can get lost in the busy production. The first three songs, while interesting, are also a bit hookless. But there are some of his best here: "Black Or White," "Remember The Time," "Dangerous," and "Give In To Me." Miranda Cosgrove Sparks FlyFluffy fun; at least she's not forcing being grown up like in the terrible Miley song "Can't Be Tamed."Natalie Imbruglia Left of the MiddleNew Kids on the Block Hangin' ToughNorah Jones Not Too LateNorah Jones Feels Like HomeOasis Don't Believe the TruthPaula Abdul SpellboundPhil Collins TestifyPink Hurts 2B HumanSolid songs, but sounds more like Pink by numbers than anything she has done before. The ballads are weaker than the up tempo songs. PJ Harvey Is This Desire?PJ Harvey White ChalkPJ Harvey The Hope Six Demolition ProjectSam Smith Love GoesGood, soothing voice - but he would do better with a less synthetic sound.Selena Gomez RareDefinitely more mature, but with some exceptions, tends to not stand out from other recent pop. Hopefully a hint of better things to come. Shania Twain Up!Sinead O'Connor TheologySkylar Grey Don't Look DownSleater-Kinney Little RopeSpice Girls Greatest HitsSugarland The Incredible MachineThis is an unrelentingly positive album, with big production and choruses. I need positively right now, so I'm definitely in the mood for it. Because of Jennifer Nettles's passion and the solid musicianship, the album has substance depite the arena-readiness of the music. On the downside, the lyrics are a little lazy - multiple references to fire, light, open hearts, etc. - and the album is not inventive. It's a fun album and a worthwhile addition to their catalog, if not close to their best album.Susan Boyle I Dreamed a DreamThe Beatles Yellow SubmarineTo be fair, have to include this in my Beatles ratings. Fun but a novelty album.The Cranberries Wake Up and Smell the CoffeeThe Decemberists I’ll Be Your GirlI found too many the lyrics to be quite simplistic and the songs wildly inconsistent. Sometimes the synths work and other times they are just head scratching.The Dresden Dolls Yes, Virginia...The Fray How to Save a LifeThe Smashing Pumpkins ZeitgeistThe Whigs In The DarkTom Petty and the Heartbreakers MojoVampire Weekend ContraVelvet Revolver LibertadWeezer Pacific DaydreamYeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones2.5 averageAlicia Keys The Element of FreedomBased on the first half of this CD, I thought Alicia might even best Songs in A Minor. But the second half is full of annoying vocal performances and little excitement.Angels and Airwaves We Don't Need to WhisperAnimal Collective Merriweather Post PavilionArcade Fire FuneralArctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm NotAriana Grande SweetenerAshlee Simpson AutobiographyBackstreet Boys Black and BlueBackstreet Boys MillenniumBarlowgirl BarlowgirlBest Coast The Only PlaceBillie Eilish Happier Than EverIt is pleasant to hear. But it is mostly just easy listening with electronic flourishes. Billy Idol Devil's PlaygroundBilly Ray Cyrus Storm in the HeartlandBjork HomogenicBon Jovi Have a Nice DayBoys Like Girls Love DrunkBrad Paisley Love and WarSorry Brad, but I think that the hat flying off in the cover photo represents the identity crisis on this album.Bright Eyes I'm Wide Awake, It's MorningBritney Spears Oops!...I Did It AgainBritney Spears ...Baby One More TimeCarrie Underwood Denim & RhinestonesI am not sure exactly what she wanted here. It is not country at all. It sounds 80s inspired - which is good IMO - but with production not often worthy of a big budget. It has some moments, like the pretty ?Ghost Story? and the frantic ?Poor Everybody Else.? Celine Dion A New Day Has ComeCharlotte Gainsbourg IRMChris Cornell Carry OnChristina Aguilera StrippedChristina Aguilera Christina AguileraCHVRCHES Love Is DeadCobra Starship Hot MessColbie Caillat CocoColbie Caillat BreakthroughHere's the good news: Colbie's voice sounds less prosaic, and there's more in the songs that grab your attention. The bad news: there's still not a whole lot of charm in her music. She still fails to make you feel much emotion. At least she sounded more genuine on her previous CD.Daughtry DaughtryDave Matthews Band Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux KingEllie Goulding DeliriumHmm I like pop so I expected I might like this. I really enjoyed Halcyon Days. As others have said, there's just too much of the same beat and sound, which is not bad but doesn't interest. Not one of the best pop albums out there like 1989 and E-mo-tion - thought it might be before I listened.Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton Knives Don't Have Your BackEvanescence The Bitter TruthFaith Hill CryFiona Apple Extraordinary MachineFiona Apple The Idler Wheel...Garth Brooks In the Life of Chris GainesGwen Stefani The Sweet EscapeHannah Montana Hannah MontanaHilary Duff DignityHole Nobody's DaughterA mixed bag. Courtney's voice has definitely faded. But she can still bring it on songs like "Nobody's Daughter," "Skinny Little Bitch," and "Loser Dust." My problem is that the songs in the middle seem like weaker versions of Celebrity Skin. Not bad, but they don't stand out. Then, "How Dirty Girls Get Clean" is a pale imitation of "Loser Dust." The last song, "Never Go Hungry," is Courtney doing a country sound - it just doesn't fit her.Jack Johnson To the SeaJewel 0304Jill Scott The Light of the SunJohn Mayer ContinuumJonas Brothers Jonas BrothersYou know, PsychoPuppet has a good point - I just think most of their good songs are on one album, A Little Bit Longer, and not this one.Jonas Brothers It's About TimeJonas Brothers Lines, Vines and Trying TimesKacy Hill Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me AgainKeane Under The Iron SeaKris Allen Kris AllenKris Allen's CD is pretty much what you would expect after watching him on Idol. Serviceable, but not a stand out. The CD is over-produced and generically designed for radio. I'd download these three songs only: "Written All Over My Face," ""Red Guitar," and "Alright With Me". Lady A Need You NowLee DeWyze Live It UpCould have been a lot worse. The safe music actually works to his advantage in a way, because the cloying quality of his voice is kept to a minimum. Three songs here are worth purchasing - "Dear Isabelle," "Brooklyn Bridge," and "Stay Here." "Dear Isabelle" is a rare spare moment, and even though it sounds like John Mayer, succeeds in charming. "Brooklyn Bridge," with its jazzy quality, is refreshingly un-Idol. "Stay Here" is irresistably snappy. All the other songs have been done better by other artists.Lily Allen It's Not Me, It's YouLily Allen Alright, StillLindsay Lohan A Little More Personal (Raw)Madonna EroticaMariah Carey E=MC²Mariah Carey The Emancipation of MimiMariah Carey Memoirs of an Imperfect AngelMaroon 5 It Won't Be Soon Before LongMayday Parade Anywhere But HereMeg and Dia Something RealMeg Myers Take Me To The DiscoIt's not bad but the style just didn't do much for me. Tried to update the alternative sound but it fell flat.Metallica St. AngerMichael Johns Hold Back My HeartMiley Cyrus BreakoutMiley Cyrus Can't Be TamedMiley Cyrus BangerzMiley Cyrus Younger NowI wish the rest of the album was as strong as two last songs and even “Malibu.” But much of Younger Now just comes out as dull. Going more rootsy isn’t such a good idea when her voice is as monochromatic and lacking in emotion as it is. Despite what the critics say, the new Shania Twain is much better!Miranda Cosgrove High MaintenanceMuse The ResistanceWhat were they doing putting three classical-influenced rock ballads at the end? They are not inspiring or enjoyable. Too much of the album is that way, though there are a trio of good rockers (the two that start the album and "Unnatural Selection"), and USOE is epic done right.Nelly Furtado LooseNick Jonas and the Administration Who I AmPaul McCartney Chaos and Creation in the BackyardPeaches Impeach My BushPearl Jam GigatonRascal Flatts Feels Like TodayRihanna Rated RSantigold SantogoldShakira She WolfShania Twain Queen Of MeSheryl Crow Feels Like HomeSilversun Pickups SwoonSmoosh She Like ElectricSpice Girls SpiceStaind Break The CycleTaking Back Sunday Louder NowTennis Cape DoryThis album re-creates the 60s sound, but fails to be memorable. Too often the music just drifts along in a haze. The singer also doesn't exactly have the charisma of a Petula Clark.The All-American Rejects When the World Comes DownThe Cranberries RosesIt sounds like The Cranberries, but usually doesn't stand out like they used to.The Flaming Lips EmbryonicHas interestingly freaky moments mixed with songs that are dull or seem to lack meaning.The Fray The FrayThe New Pornographers Continue as a GuestThe Pretty Reckless Light Me UpTori Amos Abnormally Attracted To SinTrain Drops of JupiterVivian Girls Everything Goes WrongWilson Phillips Wilson Phillips2.0 poor3 Doors Down Time of My LifeAshlee Simpson Bittersweet WorldI listened to this again, and couldn't believe I had it at a 3 before. Autobiography at least has some decent bubblegum moments. Bittersweet World is just the sound of a not-so-good singer going beyond her reach.Ashley Tisdale HeadstrongThe songs here are undistinguished dance-pop. The rock turn on Guilty Pleasure at least allowed for better hooks than on this CD.Avril Lavigne Avril LavigneBackstreet Boys UnbreakableBackstreet Boys Never GoneBackstreet Boys This Is UsMore generic dance pop from them. Their early stuff wasn't special, but it was catchier. While they have ok voices, they also sound like a singing factory.Bjork MedullaBjork VespertineBob Dylan Together Through LifeBon Iver For Emma, Forever AgoChristina Aguilera BionicChristina Aguilera LiberationDaughtry Leave This TownDavid Cook David CookDemi Lovato Don't ForgetDemi Lovato UnbrokenEmpire Of The Sun Walking On A DreamFaith Hill FaithFergie The DutchessGood Charlotte Good Morning RevivalGorillaz GorillazGossip Music For MenGuns N' Roses Appetite for DestructionGwen Stefani This Is What the Truth Feels LikeYes, she's older, but older doesn't have to be this boring. Even her vocals sound hushed. There's none of the freshness and energy of No Doubt, or even much of her other solo work. Halsey hopeless fountain kingdomHanson The WalkHilary Duff Hilary DuffHilary Duff Breathe In. Breathe Out.The whistles on "Spark" are one of the most annoying things you will hear in pop music. It doesn't get much better. Only "Confetti" and "Arms Around a Memory" rise to the level of her sometimes decent bubblegum pop. The rest is very dull and formulaic, never standing out at all. What was I expecting? Not much, but I like some pop music so had an open mind Jessica Simpson Do You KnowJoanna Newsom YsJoanna Newsom Have One on MeJustin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveSoundsKaty Perry WitnessKaty Perry SmileOriginally I thought it would be awful, but it has a few redeeming tracks. Opener “Never Really Over” does bop, though over a synthetic riff. “Daisies” is similar to the charming “Firework”. “Harleys In Hawaii” is quirky, and the closer “What Makes A Woman” shows her softer side nicely. Overall, though, there is just not enough to generate interest. Kelly Clarkson Meaning of LifeTo me, it is a huge disappointment. She goes for a soul/R&B sound, but the arrangements are cookie cutter and she winds up shouting a lot. Her voice is ruined on what sounds like fake soul. A couple slow burners help the album a bit, but it gets a 2 from me. Kelsea Ballerini kelseaHer voice is good, and she can write a hook, but she ruins it with overproduction that shows no personality. Lyrics have growing to do, too.Kidz Bop Kidz Kidz Bop, Volume 9Kittie OracleLady A Own the NightLinkin Park Minutes to MidnightLinkin Park Hybrid TheoryLinkin Park One More LightLiz Phair FunstyleI see this album as a tongue-in-cheek retort to her critics. So while most of these songs are pretty bad mish-mashes, Liz just put together anything she felt like because the critics boxed her in. I think she does fine in pop (especially on Somebody's Miracle,) and I know she can find some direction again.Mariah Carey CharmbracletMarie Digby Breathing UnderwearWith its processed beats and similar song structures, Breathing Underwear has a numbing effect on the listener. When she finally does try something different, all it is is Evanescence-lite. I recommend her CD Unfold, but you should avoid this album.Maroon 5 VMorningwood Diamonds & StudsNew Found Glory Sticks and StonesNew Kids on the Block The BlockOK Go Of The Blue Colour Of The SkyPlacebo MedsPortishead ThirdRascal Flatts Still Feels GoodRascal Flatts Me And My GangRicky Martin Ricky MartinScarlett Johansson Anywhere I Lay My HeadSheryl Crow 100 Miles From MemphisSurprisingly dull. The band sounds very uninspired, and there are few of the catchy songs Sheryl is known for. Sheryl's vocals are fine for the soul vibe, but there's only so much she can do with these songs.Ted Leo and the Pharmacists The Brutalist BricksThe Dead Weather HorehoundThey tried to create dirty blues-rock with reckless abandon, but it ends up clumsy and without fully-realized structures. The Decemberists The Hazards of LoveWeezer Make BelieveWeezer RaditudeWeezer Van Weezer1.5 very poor3OH!3 Streets of GoldThey can't rap or sing. And the melodies are annoying, not fun. This from a person who likes mindless pop at times - like Ke$ha's CD.Bjork VoltaBrand New DaisyBritney Spears BlackoutBrooke Hogan The RedemptionJust terrible. About comprises everything most generic about pop, from the dance to the R&B to the more rock side. The only song worth a second listen is "All I Want Is You."Chris Brown GraffitiCocoRosie The Adventures of Ghosthorse and StillboGreen Day iDOS!Green Day Father of All MotherfuckersHaven’t heard it all yet, but the first couple songs sound noisy with no direction. Could this be a joke?Hilary Duff MetamorphosisIda Maria Fortress Round My HeartImagine Dragons ƎVOLVEJoanna Newsom The Milk-Eyed MenderJuliette Lewis Terra IncognitaShe was always inconsistent, but on this CD, she's just bad. Juliette oversings like she's trying too hard, and the music isn't even fun.Justin Bieber My WorldJustin Bieber My World 2.0Justin Bieber PurposeKeith Urban Graffiti ULana Del Rey Lust For LifeLimp Bizkit Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored WaterM.I.A. MayaMandy Moore So RealMarilyn Manson The High End of LowMarnie Stern In Advance of the Broken ArmModest Mouse We Were Dead Before the Ship Even SankNickelback All the Right ReasonsNickelback Dark HorseNSYNC CelebrityNSYNC No Strings AttachedPapa Roach MetamorphosisPussycat Dolls PCDRachel Platten WildfireShe's cute and crush worthy, but obviously the music industry is just using her good looks. There's no talent shown here. The music is as bland as can be, which could be worse than plain awful. Rachel Platten WavesLook, Rachel's cute, but this is a terrible album. Maybe even worse than her first one. Seems for very young audiences, and even they can do better than this album.Scott Stapp The Great DivideSleigh Bells TreatsSufjan Stevens The Age of AdzI could hardly get through this album. Seen as genius as some, but I find it to be dumb. Fussy electronics with little melody. Big disappointment since I love the album Illinois.t.A.T.u. 200 km/H In The Wrong LaneThe Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies)Yeah Yeah Yeahs Fever To TellYoko Ono Rising1.0 awfulAshlee Simpson I Am MeBloodhound Gang Hooray For BoobiesbrokeNCYDE I'm Not a Fan, but the Kids Like It!Chris Cornell ScreamCreed WeatheredHeidi Montag SuperficialHinder Extreme BehaviorHonor Society Fashionably LateImagine the Jonas Brothers, only more amateurish and having worse singing.James Blunt Back To BedlamKevin Federline Playing with FireKittie In the BlackOK, maybe it's because I don't listen to a lot of metal, but I don't think they can roar at all! Any time I have to turn off an album early because of my ears, it's an automatic negative rating.Lightning Bolt Earthly DelightsI'm sorry, but to me, this is just excruciating noise.Lil Wayne RebirthMeghan Trainor Thank YouI liked her previous album, but Thank You is just complete pop/R&B/funk garbage. Guess they didn't sell enough before. :/Paris Hilton ParisPure product that isn't even fun - the best beats were given to other artists. This is the album that gets my scorn - Ke$ha is much better.Prussian Blue Fragment Of The FutureSlipknot SlipknotSoulja Boy iSouljaBoyTellEmStatic-X Cannibal
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