Glenn Gamboa's latest album reviews

"Free Spirit" by Khalid

With "Free Spirit," Khalid establishes himself as one of music's best new artists, following in the footsteps of Frank Ocean and Solange, but creating his own path up both the pop and R&B charts. Read our review.

"Sing to Me Instead" by Ben Platt

Platt really gets to introduce himself in this debut album, and he makes the most of the opportunity. He co-wrote all 12 of the album's tracks and nearly all of them feel like intensely personal insights into former relationships. Read our review.

"On the Line" by Jenny Lewis

Lewis has always been a meticulous, detailed writer, either on her own or in her former band, Rilo Kiley. However, the combination of her circumstances and the ambitious mix of musical styles behind her lyrics here makes her songs more poignant than ever. Read our review.

"Lux Prima" by Karen O and Danger Mouse

Because Karen O and Danger Mouse do not lack for ambition, they have used "Lux Prima" as the soundtrack for an upcoming art installation. Read our review.

"Groove Denied" by Stephen Malkmus

The former Pavement frontman has not gone all Yeezus on you, no matter what all the blooping synths and electronic pulses of "Belziger Faceplant" may suggest. Read our review.

"Patty Griffin" by Patty Griffin

Griffin has always been one of the best singer-songwriters around, with her work covered by everyone from the Dixie Chicks to Kelly Clarkson. (Her brilliant new ballad "Just the Same" should be a hit - if not for her, then someone else.) Read our review.

"Still on My Mind" by Dido

Dido's voice remains as clear and affecting as ever, as startlingly touching as it was on the chorus of Eminem's "Stan" and on her own hits like "Here With Me" and "White Flag." Read our review.

"Weezer" by Weezer

The release, also known as "The Black Album," is sure to spawn countless debates on its own because Weezer tries numerous styles without always succeeding. Read our review.

"Wasteland, Baby!" by Hozier

The Irish singer-songwriter, who made a giant international splash with the massive 2013 hit "Take Me to Church," is still tackling big topics with big, cinematic sounds on "Wasteland, Baby!" his sophomore album. Read our review.

"This Land" by Gary Clark Jr.

The album will introduce Clark to all sorts of new music fans -- a process that already started with his buzzed-about debut on "Saturday Night Live." Read our review.

"OK, I'm Sick" by Badflower

Badflower's much-anticipated debut "OK, I'm Sick" is a well-built bundle of contradictions. Read our review.

"Can't Say I Ain't Country" by Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line protests a lot on its new "Can't Say I Ain't Country" album. Read our review.

"Head Above Water" by Avril Lavigne

It's great news that Avril Lavigne has recovered enough from her battle with Lyme disease to record music again. And the title track of "Head Above Water" tells the story of that struggle well, using a dramatic ballad and more forceful use of her powerful voice to great effect. Read our review.

"Sunshine Rock" by Bob Mould

The Husker Du and Sugar frontman wrote his "Beauty and Ruin" album after his father died and wrote "Patch the Sky" after losing his mom. For "Sunshine Rock," Mould made a conscious effort to focus on happier themes. Read our review.

"Tip of the Sphere" by Cass McCombs

Nothing about Cass McCombs is ever straightforward, though he is often quite a striking storyteller. Read our review.

"Don't Feed the Pop Monster" by Broods

Georgia Nott's voice is so sweet it takes a while to realize exactly where she's coming from, especially when it's surrounded with all these pretty synths. Read our review.

"Seasons" by American Authors

Like so many who have had career-defining hits early in their careers, American Authors is finding it a challenge to move on from "Best Day of My Life." My li-eye-eye-eye-eye-ee-ife. Read our review.

"DNA" by Backstreet Boys

Backstreet's back, all right. And sure, there are demographic and cultural reasons for it -- a way moms can share their musical crushes with their BTS-loving daughters mixed with a desire to use sweet unabashed pop to escape the increasing stressfulness in uncertain times. Read our review.

"A Good Friend Is Nice" by Jack & Jack

Childhood pals Jack & Jack, who made a splash years ago on Vine, are now social media stars with a European smash, "Rise," with British DJ-producer Jonas Blue under their belts. Read our review.

"Heard It in a Past Life" by Maggie Rogers

Now that her debut album, "Heard It in a Past Life," has arrived, the rest of the world can finally catch up with what the music industry has known: Maggie Rogers is going to be a star. Read our review.

"Assume Form" by James Blake

On his new album, Blake takes everything he has learned over the years, including from high-profile collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, and applies it to a variety of love songs. Read our review.

"Heart Songs" by Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles

For decades, acoustic guitar virtuosos Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles have dazzled with their skills, from intricate runs to coaxing unexpected sounds from their instruments. Read our review.

“Magnolia” by Randy Houser

More than anything, "Magnolia" feels like Houser at his most authentic. He isn't chasing Chris Stapleton's outlaw-country, Americana train, even though that may have been his best career move. Read our review.

"The Meth Lab II: The Lithium” by Method Man

Method Man's latest album is a throwback to the days when hip-hop albums were meant to be heard from start to finish, complete with strong songs and skits to tie them together. Read our review.

“Springsteen on Broadway” by Bruce Springsteen

The soundtrack manages remarkable double duty, providing all the audio from the Netflix version of Springsteen's autobiographical Broadway show. Read our review.

"Ticket to L.A." by Brett Young

The former college pitcher's second album is an upbeat mix of L.A. polish and Nashville earnestness. Read our review.

"The Prophet Speaks" by Van Morrison

On his 40th studio album, Morrison uses his past influences to inspire new material. Read our review.

"Warm" by Jeff Tweedy

The Wilco frontman is cementing his reputation as a storyteller this fall with his new memoir and this new solo album. Read our review.

"A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships" by The 1975

The British band's previous two albums were decidedly hit and miss, however, on its third album The 1975 manages to make all its ambitious pieces fit together. Read our review.

"Caution" by Mariah Carey

With her stunning, multi-octave voice, the Greenlawn native continues to forge her own way -- right through the intersection of pop, R&B and hip-hop -- with mixed results. Read our review.

"Delta" by Mumford & Sons

If the British band's multiplatinum 2009 debut "Sigh No More" was a bracing, cold-shower shock, its fourth album "Delta" is essentially a soothing warm bath. Read our review.

"Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 2" by Lil Peep

Nearly everything about "Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 2," the posthumous album from Long Beach rapper Lil Peep, is sad. Read our review.

"Origins" by Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons continue cutting their own path connecting rock and pop with "Origins," the companion album to last year's "Evolve." Read our review.

"Walls" by Barbra Streisand

The images of doom and brewing trouble on "Walls" are so numerous that they seem to overwhelm the beauty of Streisand's voice. Read our review.

"Honey" by Robyn

Robyn's first album in eight years, is a poignant, yet joyous, journey of healing that you can dance to every step of the way. Read our review.

"Ella Mai" by Ella Mai

The 23-year-old combines the laid-back neo-soul of Ledisi or Estelle with the edge and timeliness of Rihanna throughout her 15 tracks to create a solid album with no filler. Read our review.

"Look Now" by Elvis Costello

After Costello's health scare, "Look Now" is a stunning reminder of how lucky we are to still have him around. Read our review.

“Traces" by Steve Perry

As Perry returns with "Traces," his first solo album in 24 years, he sounds like an even more unlikely standard-bearer. Read our review.

"Desperate Man" by Eric Church

Eric Church's new album "Desperate Man," is the rarest of country records, one that reflects and comments on the present. Read our review.

"Dancing Queen" by Cher

Cher doesn't hold back on the vocals, booming her way through the giddy "Waterloo" and the sweet "Mamma Mia" to give them more emotional heft and a more modern reading. Read our review.

"Wouldn't It Be Great" by Loretta Lynn

More than five decades into her legendary career, Loretta Lynn remains a bracing breath of fresh air on her new "Wouldn't It Be Great" album. Read our review.

"Bridges" by Josh Groban

The idea of positioning a young artist to attract older adults with ballads and standards was new. And Groban essentially cornered that market, with his chart-topping, multiplatinum albums "Josh Groban" and "Closer." Read our review.

"Million Dollars to Kill Me" by Joyce Manor

Joyce Manor's new album "Million Dollars to Kill Me" is a well-crafted collection of cool indie-rock styles from the past three decades held together by Barry Johnson's earnest vocals and Chase Knobbe's seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of guitar riffs. Read our review.

"Cry Pretty" by Carrie Underwood

Start to finish, Underwood's sixth album is easily her best, filled with songs that make the most of her voice, both physical and lyrical. Read our review.

"Generation Rx" by Good Charlotte

On their new album "Generation Rx," Good Charlotte's Madden twins, Benji and Joel, tackle current issues with the same brashness they used to puncture the lifestyles of the rich and the famous when they started out two decades ago. Read our review.

“Egypt Station” by Paul McCartney

"Egypt Station" is easily McCartney's most pop-friendly collection in two decades, since 1997's "Flaming Pie," but he accomplishes it with some of the experimental edge he has cultivated in recent years. Read our review.

"In the Blue Light" by Paul Simon

Simon's new album "In the Blue Light" reinterprets songs from throughout his career to create something new, something that reflects his current tastes while still standing the test of time. Read our review.

"Marauder" by Interpol

Something is different in Interpol's sixth album, "Marauder" though many of the building blocks of the New York rockers' sound remained intact. Read our review.

"E.G.O." by Lucie Silvas

"E.G.O." is a thrill ride across the musical map that is all handled amazingly well. Read our review.

"Queen" by Nicki Minaj

The Jamaica, Queens, native easily remains hip-hop's best female rapper, even if Cardi B. stepped into the spotlight in the four years since she last dropped an album. Read our review.

"All of It" by Cole Swindell

The Georgia native is a singer-songwriter in the Garth Brooks mold, celebrating regular life with thrilling results. Read our review.

"Know." by Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz usually likes to take risks, but on his new album "Know." he keeps them to a minimum. Read our review.

"Jake Shears" by Jake Shears

Shears moves from the campy '70s dance anthems that were Scissor Sister staples to edgier rock, New Orleans funk and powerful pop. Read our review.

"Swimming" by Mac Miller

Mac Miller's fifth studio album will undoubtedly be the most-talked-about of the rapper's career so far. Unfortunately, it's not for the reasons he wants. Read our review.

"Living in Extraordinary Times" by James

With its 15th album, "Living in Extraordinary Times," James seems ready to launch a fiery chapter in its already storied career. Read our review.

"Cage to Rattle" by Daughtry

On Daughtry's fifth album, "Cage to Rattle" the band balances both his impulses and natural inclinations to create its strongest album since its debut following his "American Idol" run. Read our review.

"Songs for the Saints" by Kenny Chesney

"Songs for the Saints" is the album born from that disaster, a benefit for Chesney's Love for Love City Foundation, which provides disaster relief for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Read our review.

"All Ashore" by Punch Brothers

The gorgeous seven-minute epic has a child tell the story of his parents' struggle to make ends meet, but manage to succeed because they have love and contentment. Read our review.

"The Tree" by Lori McKenna

Lori McKenna has been a top-tier country songwriter for years, increasingly gaining attention from co-writing Little Big Town's "Girl Crush" and writing Tim McGraw's "Humble and Kind." Read our review.

"Lamp Lit Prose" by Dirty Projectors

Dirty Projectors mastermind Dave Longstreth has made his mark on music as much by working with Rihanna, Solange and Kanye West as he has with the Brooklyn-based band. Read our review.

"Beautiful Life" by Rick Astley

Rick Astley really should become the spokesman for AARP. His post-50 comeback was no fluke and his new album, "Beautiful Life" proves it. Read our review.

"Palo Santo" by Years & Years

The British dance-pop trio faced the pressure of following up their debut, "Communion," and the hit single "King," which both topped the United Kingdom charts in 2015. Read our review.

"Six" by We The Kings

"Six" is the product of another successful PledgeMusic campaign from the band and a well-orchestrated plan to widen its appeal by pulling together an assortment of well-written songs from across the pop-rock spectrum. Read our review.

"High as Hope" by Florence + The Machine

Florence Welch doesn't wait to speak her truth on the new Florence + the Machine album "High as Hope." Read our review.

"The Now Now" by Gorillaz

It's hard to imagine how (or why) a cartoon band would scale back. But that's what the Gorillaz have done for their new album, "The Now Now" following hot on the heels of last year's "Humanz." Read our review.

"Pray for the Wicked" by Panic! at the Disco

It's not just his singing -- which often climbs to new, more theatrical heights across the album's 12 tracks, including one stellar note in the first single "Say Amen (Saturday Night)" -- that has developed. It's Urie's whole approach to how much he can pack into a song. Read our review.

"Passwords" by Dawes

The Los Angeles band is steeped in the sound of the '70s California -- of the Eagles and Neil Young -- but the lyrics and singer Taylor Goldsmith's delivery is completely modern. Read our review.

"Everything is Love" by Jay-Z and Beyoncé

Maybe the most spectacular thing about Beyoncé and Jay-Z's surprise joint album "Everything Is Love" is the premium they put on being quiet. Read our review.

“No Shame” by Lily Allen

Lily Allen's new album, "No Shame," has all the same hallmarks of her breakout album "Alright Still." Read our review.

"The Mountain" by Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley's latest album is meant to be inspirational, a celebration of persistence and keeping calm. Read our review.

"Noonday Dream" by Ben Howard

On "Noonday Dream," Ben Howard forges his own way out of the crowded British singer-songwriter field. Read our review.

"Hello-On" by Neko Case

Neko Case's "Hell-On" is another step in stretching the definition of country music. Read our review.

"Wilderness" by Snow Patrol

The "Chasing Cars" band returns after seven years to chase the meaning of life on "Wilderness." Read our review.

"Love Is Dead" by Chvrches

Chvrches finds the right mix between its synth-pop sound and its lyrical fury on "Love Is Dead." Read our review.

"Electric Light" by James Bay

With "Electric Light," James Bay re-introduces himself as a forward-thinking artist with plenty to say. Read our review.

"Tell Me How You Really Feel" by Courtney Barnett

Courtney Barnett masters melancholy moderation and wields it well on "Tell Me How You Really Feel." Read our review.

"Voicenotes" by Charlie Puth

Charlie Puth proves himself to be the real deal on his second album "Voicenotes." Read our review.

"Tranquility Base" by Arctic Monkeys

"Tranquility Base" is a stunningly ambitious concept album of sci-fi soul from the unpredictable mind of Alex Turner. Read our review.

"Be More Kind" by Frank Turner

Frank Turner takes an unusual stance on his new album "Be More Kind." Read our review.

"Good Thing" by Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges' search for himself yields eclectic results. Read our review.

“Graffiti U” by Keith Urban

Keith Urban's "Graffiti U" pushes country's boundaries again, but keeps his own intact. Read our review.

"Port Saint Joe" by The Brothers Osbourne

"Port Saint Joe" may be only The Brothers Osborne's second album, but T.J. and John Osborne have already established a country sound all their own. Read our review.

"44/876" by Sting & Shaggy

Sting and Shaggy have found a special connection on "44/876," one that could blossom into something bigger in time. Read our review.

"Twerp Verse" by Speedy Ortiz

Speedy Ortiz is finding the sweetness in these dark times, or maybe the other way around, on "Twerp Verse." Read our review.

"Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John" by Juliana Hatfield

Juliana Hatfield's new album, "Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John," is a loving tribute to one of pop's under-appreciated pioneers. Read our review.

"Rearview Town" by Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean is forging ahead with his quest to put more rock in country on "Rearview Town." Read our review.

"The Louder I Call, The Faster It Runs" by Wye Oak

Wye Oak manages to create a sonic world all its own on "The Louder I Call, The Faster It Runs." Read our review.

"Revamp and Restoration" by Various Artists

Artists such as Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus take inspiration from Elton John and Bernie Taupin's amazing catalog on "Revamp and Restoration." Read our review.

"Expectations" by Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko's debut album, "Expectations," uses upbeat pop music to help speak her mind. Read our review.

"Staying at Tamara's" by George Ezra

George Ezra lets his eclectic influences broaden his already expansive rock horizons on "Staying at Tamara's." Read our review.

"Combat Sports" by The Vaccines

The Vaccines' fourth album, "Combat Sports," allows the band to rediscover their artistic flame (and their guitars!). Read our review.

"Boarding House Reach" by Jack White

On "Boarding House Reach," Jack White creates wildly ambitious rock that works almost every time. Read our review.

Stone Temple Pilots self-titled album

The Stone Temple Pilots get a smooth restart on their newest album, a little too smooth. Read our review.

"I'll Be Your Girl" by The Decemberists

On "I'll Be Your Girl," The Decemberists struggle with their old sound while embracing a new one. Read our review.

"American Utopia" by David Byrne

On David Byrne's first solo album since 2004, he provides a hopeful but honest look at the state of the nation. Read our review.

"Tearing at the Seams" by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are growing into the best band of vintage soul-rockers around with "Tearing at the Seams." Read our review.

"Record" by Tracey Thorn

Tracey Thorn is ushering in the era of "feminist bangers" with precision and joy on her new album, "Record." Read our review.

"All Nerve" by The Breeders

The Breeders' latest studio album, "All Nerve" reunites the classic lineup. Read our review.

"41" by Reggie and the Full Effect

On "41," Reggie and the Full Effect build a fascinating world beyond his emo stronghold. Read our review.

"Nation of Two" by Vance Joy

On "Nation of Two," Vance Joy has gone deeper and broader, making singalongs that sound even bigger, ready for the stadiums he played as Taylor Swift's opener. Read our review.

"Landfall" by Laurie Anderson

Nearly everyone who lived through superstorm Sandy in 2012 has a story to tell about it and Laurie Anderson enlisted the Kronos Quartet to help tell hers. Read our review.

"Sir" by Fischerspooner

Fischerspooner's "Sir" brings synth pop studded with Fire Island imagery, personal politics and high-end collaborators. Read our review.

"Crooked Shadows" by Dashboard Confessional

Dashboard Confessional's "Crooked Shadows" is the band's newest album, its first since 2009. Read our review.

“Always Ascending" by Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand's new album, "Always Ascending," its first in five years, is practically bursting with new ideas. Read our review.

"The Time Is Now" by Craig David

Craig David returns with a whole new generation of dance rhythms on "The Time Is Now." Read our review.

"Blood" by Rhye

Rhye's latest R&B album, "Blood," strips away the layers and keeps the bedroom soul raw. Read our review.

Dream Wife's self-titled album

The British punk trio craft their own powerful dream on their first album. Read our review.

"Here Come the Runts" by Awolnation

"Here Come the Runts" is Awolnation's third studio album. Read our review.

"Mania" by Fall Out Boy

With "Mania," Fall Out Boy is expanding its rock horizons without losing its pop-punk essence. Read our review.

"The Official Body" by Shopping

Shopping, the crafty post-punk trio from London, offers a heady mix of brainy lyrics and booty-shaking bass on "The Official Body." Read our review.

"Camila" by Camilla Cabello

The former Fifth Harmony singer makes a surprisingly powerful solo debut with "Camila." Read our review.

"Encore" by Anderson East

On "Encore," Anderson East takes the country spotlight for himself. Read our review.

"How to Solve Our Human Problems, Part 1" by Belle & Sebastian'

Belle and Sebastian's "How to Solve Our Human Problems, Part 1" kicks off the Scottish band's three-EP project. Read our review.

"Pop 2" by Charli XCX

With "Pop 2," Charli XCX is building her own version of pop music's future. Read our review.

"The Beautiful & Damned" by G-Eazy

G-Eazy's fifth studio album, "The Beautiful & Damned," is sometimes stunning, sometimes uneven. Read our review.

"No_One Ever Really Dies" by N.E.R.D.

N.E.R.D.'s "No_One Ever Really Dies" is a hip-hop return that is harder and tougher than ever. Read our review.

"What Makes You Country" by Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan makes country hit-making seem effortless on his latest, "What Makes You Country." Read our review.

"Kimberly: The People I Used to Know" by K. Michelle

K. Michelle brings her no-holds-barred "Love & Hip Hop" reality-show background to her fourth album, "Kimberly: The People I Used to Know." Read our review.

"Songs of Experience" by U2

"Songs of Experience" is U2's 14th studio album. Read our review.

"The Visitor" by Neil Young

Neil Young takes on current events with a much more timeless approach on his latest, "The Visitor." Read our review.

"The Rest of Our Life" by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's "The Rest of Our Life" is the couple's first collaborative album. Read our review.

"The Architect" by Paloma Faith el

Paloma Faith sets her sights on the world around her on "The Architect." Read our review.

"Reputation" by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is distilling the current pop mainstream into her own artisan adult beverage on "Reputation." Read our review.

"What If Nothing" by Walk the Moon

Walk the Moon continues to help keep rock alive on pop radio with their latest, "What If Nothing." Read our review.

"Rebirth of Soul" by Syleena Johnson

Syleena Johnson teams up with her dad and bridges generations through soul music on "Rebirth of Soul."Read our review.

"The Thrill of It All" by Sam Smith

Sam Smith makes sad, sophisticated soul music sound oh-so-good on "The Thrill of It All." Read our review.

"Texoma Shore" by Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton polishes up his down-home image on his 11th studio album, "Texoma Shore." Read our review.

"Meaning of Life" by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson proves she can sing anything on her eighth studio album, "Meaning of Life." Read our review.

"Pacific Daydream" by Weezer

Weezer's new "Pacific Daydream" album crafts a new generation of beach-inspired rock classics. Read our review.

"Flicker by Niall Horan

Niall Horan's debut album, "Flicker," proves he was the most musically-grounded member of One Direction. Read our review.

"All American Made" by Margo Price

"All American Made" is Margo Price's second studio album solidifies her as one of country's brightest and boldest stars. Read our review.

"Beautiful Trauma" by Pink

Pink's seventh album, "Beautiful Trauma," takes the confessional tone she has succeeded with in recent years and makes it her focus. Read our review.

"Colors" by Beck

With "Colors," Beck tries to follow his Grammy-winning album "Morning Phase" with something more brainy and joyful. Read our review.

"As You Were" by Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher, former Oasis frontman, solo debut "As You Were" is the liveliest he has been in years. Read our review.

"Take Me Apart" by Kelela

Kelela's debut album, "Take Me Apart," offers an alluring take on traditional R&B. Read our review.

"Younger Now" by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus embraces her country roots and blossoms as a singer-songwriter on "Younger Now." Read our review.

"Now" by Shania Twain

Shania Twain first album in 15 years, "Now," is designed to impress us much. Read our review.

"Wonderful Wonderful" by The Killers

With "Wonderful Wonderful," The Killers can't seem to eclipse their earlier work. Read our review.

"Cities in Search of a Heart" by The Movielife

Long Island rockers The Movielife make a triumphant return with their first album since their breakup in 2003, "Cities in Search of a Heart." Read our review.

"Concrete and Gold" by Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters' go more artistically than they have in years and succeed every time on "Concrete and Gold." Read our review.

Prophets of Rage's self-titled album

Prophets of Rage's self-titled album is a lean, muscular rap-metal collection that uses the supergroup's powers for good. Read our review.

"Rainbow" by Kesha

With "Rainbow," Kesha has found numerous causes to embrace and, more importantly, her own artistic voice. Read our review.

"Southern Blood" by Gregg Allman

"Southern Blood" is Gregg Allman's final farewell before his death in May 2017. Read our review.

"Sleep Well Beast" by The National

On "Sleep Well Beast," The National steps away from the indie-rock anthems to tell more intimate stories. Read our review.

"The Echo of Pleasure" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Indie rockers The Pains of Being Pure at Heart bare all their emotions again on "The Echo of Pleasure." Read our review.

"American Dream" by LCD Soundsystem

One listen to LCD Soundsystem's comeback album, "American Dream," makes it clear that they had to reunite because they had a whole lot to say. Read our review.

"Beast Epic" by Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine's "Beast Epic" is full of complicated, poetic thoughts told in deceptively simple acoustic rock. Read our review.

"Villains" by Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age's "Villains" is full of triumphant rock anthems packed with swagger and guitars. Read our review.

"Not Dark Yet" by Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer

Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer's "Not Dark Yet" is the sisters' first album together. Read our review.

"Painted Ruins" by Grizzly Bear

On "Painted Ruins," Grizzly Bear returns to a different indie-rock world with a harder-hitting sound. Read our review.

"Poor David's Almanack" by David Rawlings

"Poor David's Almanack" allows David Rawlings to step into the Americana spotlight with his own style. Read our review.

"Dark Matter" by Randy Newman

Multiple Oscar-, Grammy- and Emmy-winner Randy Newman's "Dark Matter" album is his first in nine years. Read our review.

Brett Eldredge's self-titled album

On his self-titled album, and fourth studio album, Brett Eldredge focuses on his voice and using it in different ways to suit an eclectic set of songs. Read our review.

"Everything Now" by Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire's "Everything Now" is overstuffed with ideas and musical styles by design. Read our review.

"Tremendous Sea of Love" by Passion Pit

Passion Pit's "Tremendous Sea of Love" is full of joyous dance-pop hits to signal a shift in focus. Read our review.

"Sacred Hearts Club" by Foster the People

Foster the People mixes catchy music with complicated ideas on their third studio album, "Sacred Hearts Club." Read our review.

"What Do You Think About the Car?" by Declan McKenna

British teen Declan McKenna makes a stunning debut on "What Do You Think About the Car?" Read our review.

"Something to Tell You" by Haim

Haim's new album, "Something to Tell You," cement the sisters' success. Read our review.

"Ego" by RAC

RAC, born Andre Allen Anjos, gets plenty of help on his new album, "Ego," starting with the 13 different singers. Read our review.

TLC's self-titled album

TLC's self-titled new album is the group's first in 15 years and acts as a formal farewell to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Read our review.

"Boo Boo" by Toro Y Moi

Toro Y Moi goes back to the future in his new album, "Boo Boo." Read our review.

"Evolve" by Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons, after taking some time to regroup with their last album "Smoke and Mirrors," blur the boundaries of rock and pop again on "Evolve." Read our review.