Slant’s album reviews that count toward B-Side Breakdowns: 1,008 reviews of 1,008 albums, going back to 2001, each next to the album’s Breakdown. 479 of them come from Wikipedia ratings boxes, mostly for older albums.
Top critics
- Sal Cinquemani 159 reviews
- Jonathan Keefe 86 reviews
- Eric Henderson 29 reviews
- Jesse Cataldo 19 reviews
- Jeremy Winograd 15 reviews
512 reviews with no named critic yet.
What it reviews
- Pop 29%
- Indie & Alternative 16%
- Hip-Hop & Rap 16%
- Rock 14%
- Folk, Country & Americana 11%
Find Slant
By the numbers
63average score it gives, on the 0 to 100 scale (1,008 reviews)
24%of its reviews score an album 75 or higher
16points: how far a typical review lands from its own average score
12albums given a perfect score (1.2% of its reviews)
23A-Sides reviewed, the albums the critics rate highest
75different critics with a byline on its reviews here
51%of its scores landed within 10 points of the other critics’ average for the same album (1004 albums)
13points, on average, between its release-week reviews and where the other critics ended up (178 reviews)
How its scores spread
- 0–49124
- 50s164
- 60s238
- 70s243
- 80s179
- 90+60
Its top scores
Justin TimberlakeFutureSex/LoveSounds 100 Charles Lyons-Burt
Sufjan StevensIllinois 100 Jonathan Keefe
Joni MitchellCourt and Spark 100 
Johnny CashAmerican V: A Hundred Highways 100 
Miranda LambertCrazy Ex-Girlfriend 100 Jonathan Keefe
Fiona AppleFetch the Bolt Cutters 100 
Stevie WonderInnervisions 100 
Janet JacksonJanet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 100 Eric Henderson
Its newest 200 reviews
| Critic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ex:ReSave As“The album’s fragmented snapshots of memory offer insights into our collective loneliness.” | Michael Savio Read the review | 80 4/5 | not yet | Oct 28, 2026 |
| Justin TimberlakeFutureSex/LoveSounds“What the album is missing in heart or soul it makes up for in sterling production…and beatboxing.” | Charles Lyons-Burt Read the review | 100 10/10 | 76 | Sep 8, 2026 |
 AdélaPrima“The album suggests its creator might just have what it takes to reach her loftiest ambitions.” | Dylan Bedsaul Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 67 | Sep 3, 2026 |
 DrakeIceman | Paul Attard Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 55 | May 19, 2026 |
 Kacey MusgravesMiddle of Nowhere“Written in the wake of a painful breakup, the album sees the singer taking stock of her life.” | Steve Erickson Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | Apr 30, 2026 |
 RayeThis Music May Contain Hope.“The album reaffirms the singer’s refusal to be pigeonholed into any one genre.” | Steve Erickson Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 85 | Mar 26, 2026 |
 Bruno MarsThe Romantic“That album is a song cycle about love that practically writes itself.” | Alexa Camp Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 70 | Feb 27, 2026 |
 GorillazThe Mountain“The album is exemplary of the ways in which art can be used to exorcise grief.” | Lewie Parkinson-Jones Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 83 | Feb 23, 2026 |
 Charli XCXWuthering Heights“The album sonically mirrors the film’s penchant for bodice-ripping bombast and grief while standing on its own.” | Michael Savio Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 79 | Feb 13, 2026 |
 Demi LovatoIt’s Not That Deep | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 77 | Oct 24, 2025 |
 Doja CatVie | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 76 | Sep 26, 2025 |
 Sabrina CarpenterMan’s Best Friend“If possible, the album is even hornier than its predecessor.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 76 | Aug 29, 2025 |
 Earl SweatshirtLive Laugh Love“The album is laidback, vibe-y, and sample-heavy, with cryptic, free-associative lyrics.” | Jackson Diianni Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | Aug 24, 2025 |
 KeshaPeriod“Kesha seems torn between resurrecting the unruly spark of her early work or continuing in a more introspective direction.” | Paul Attard Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 66 | Jul 2, 2025 |
 Snoop DoggMissionary“While the music is big and hulking, the smaller details seem to have been glossed over.” | Paul Attard Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 67 | 2024 |
 Shawn MendesShawn“The album is emblematic of a newfound self-reflection, resulting in the singer’s most candid work to date.” | Jeffrey Davies Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 69 | 2024 |
 Gwen StefaniBouquet (Gwen Stefani album) | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 57 | 2024 |
 HalseyThe Great Impersonator“The singer proves to be a less than great impersonator…and that’s mostly a good thing.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | 2024 |
 Sabrina CarpenterShort n’ Sweet | Charles Lyons-Burt Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2024 |
 ClairoCharm | Nick Seip Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | 2024 |
 Gracie AbramsThe Secret of Us | Dana Poland Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 73 | 2024 |
 Charli XCXBrat“While the album is undeniably bratty and brash, it’s also frequently vulnerable.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 86 | 2024 |
 Metro BoominWe Don’t Trust You“On ‘We Don’t Trust You,’ Future seems content to be set dressing for Metro Boomin’s elaborate production.” | Charles Lyons-Burt Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 60 | 2024 |
 Jennifer LopezThis Is Me… Now“Jennifer Lopez's ‘This Is Me…Now’ is one of the singer’s most personal and consistent efforts but falls short of its predecessor.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 58 | 2024 |
 Neil YoungJourney Through the Past“The idiosyncratic nature of Neil Young’s ‘Before and After’ only makes it that much more appealing.” | Lewie Parkinson-Jones Read the review | 80 4/5 | 66 | 2023 |
 Peter Gabrieli/o“Peter Gabriel's ‘i/o’ effectively allows listeners pick their favorites among the different mixes and create their own playlist.” | Steve Erickson Read the review | 60 3/5 | 77 | 2023 |
 Lil WayneWelcome 2 Collegrove“2 Chainz and Lil Wayne’s ‘Welcome 2 Collegrove’ is an uneven concept album that demonstrates the rappers’ unwillingness to grow up.” | Charles Lyons-Burt Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 64 | 2023 |
 PJ HarveyI Inside the Old Year Dying | Charles Lyons-Burt Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 81 | 2023 |
 Lil Uzi VertPink Tape“Lil Uzi Vert's ‘Pink Tape’ has a consistent upbeat vitality that never allows things to veer too far in one direction or another.” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 71 | 2023 |
 Jonas BrothersJonas Brothers“The Jonas Brothers’s ‘The Album’ is as lacking in curiosity as its straightforward title implies.” | not named Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 57 | 2023 |
 Jack HarlowJackman | Paul Attard Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 56 | 2023 |
 Shania TwainQueen of Me“While Shania Twain’s intentions may be direct, ‘Queen of Me’ fails to live up to its self-assured namesake.” | Paul Attard Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 50 | 2023 |
 Margo PriceStrays“The album continues in a classic rock-inspired direction, breaking from the neo-traditional country music that put the singer on the map.” | Steve Erickson Read the review | 60 3/5 | 78 | 2023 |
 The GameDrillmatic – Heart vs. Mind“The Game articulates himself rather ferociously on his 11th studio album, ‘Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind.” | Paul Attard Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 57 | 2022 |
 Calvin HarrisFunk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 | Paul Attard Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 58 | 2022 |
 Elvis CostelloThe Boy Named If | Jeremy Winograd Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2022 |
 Alicia KeysKeys“Alicia Keys exudes an effortlessness throughout her ambitious eighth album, ‘Keys.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 63 | 2021 |
 Robert PlantRaise the Roof | Eric Mason Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2021 |
 Kacey MusgravesStar-Crossed“Kacey Musgraves's ‘Star-Crossed’ is just as accessible as its predecessor, but it’s also far afield of modern radio tropes.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 72 | 2021 |
 HalseyIf I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 78 | 2021 |
 ChvrchesScreen Violence | Eric Mason Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 76 | 2021 |
 The KillersPressure Machine | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2021 |
 HaimWomen in Music Pt. III“The album strikes a deft balance between experimental and commercial, moody and uplifting.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2020 |
 WaxahatcheeSaint Cloud“The album is marked by songs that are at once deeply intimate and broadly accessible.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2020 |
 Chris BrownIndigo“The album’s lumbering pace and homogeneity overshadow even its few gems.” | Alexa Camp Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 46 | 2019 |
 The RaconteursHelp Us Stranger“The album proves that there’s still more to be mined from the supposedly anachronistic guitar-rock template.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review via Wikipedia | 90 4.5/5 | 78 | 2019 |
 Zayn MalikIcarus Falls“The 27-track Icarus Falls is a forgettable, albeit expertly produced, travelogue of R&B trends.” | Pryor Stroud Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 69 | 2018 |
 Snoop DoggBible of Love | Zachary Hoskins Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 50 | 2018 |
 Franz FerdinandFranz Ferdinand“Always Ascending speaks to existential angst that prompts a grim outlook on the pursuit of happiness.” | Josh Goller Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 86 | 2018 |
 Taylor SwiftReputation“Swift assesses her crumbling empire and tattered reputation, discovering redemption in love.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2017 |
 Margo PriceAll American Made“All American Made is a testament to singer-songwriter Margo Price’s fiery independent streak.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review | 60 3/5 | 77 | 2017 |
 Wu-Tang ClanThe Saga Continues (Wu-Tang Clan album)“Enjoyment of The Saga Continues will depend on one’s tolerance for Wu-Tang at its most generic.” | Zachary Hoskins Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 70 | 2017 |
 Gwen StefaniYou Make It Feel Like Christmas | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 65 | 2017 |
 The KillersWonderful Wonderful“Wonderful Wonderful’s best tracks happen to be the ones that feel the most tossed off by the Killers.” | Josh Hurst Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 73 | 2017 |
 LCD SoundsystemLCD Soundsystem“If LCD Soundsystem’s American Dream is intended as a nostalgic cash-grab, it’s a piss poor one.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2017 |
 TLCTLC“TLC sticks to the group’s late-1990s aesthetic and acts as though nothing has shifted in the world of contemporary pop.” | Josh Hurst Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 64 | 2017 |
 Chris StapletonFrom A Room: Volume 1“From A Room: Volume 1’s focus is on individual moments, not on how its songs work together as a whole.” | Josh Hurst Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 79 | 2017 |
 Sheryl CrowBe Myself“Sheryl Crow's 'Be Myself' is an application of cumulative influences rather than just a rehash of the singer’s pop heyday.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 66 | 2017 |
 Nelly FurtadoThe Ride“Nelly Furtado’s sixth album, The Ride, feels a lot like the debut of a new rising star.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 61 | 2017 |
 The Rolling StonesBlue & Lonesome“This may represent Jagger’s most technically proficient and grittily emotive set of vocals this side of Exile on Main St.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 83 | 2016 |
 Bruno Mars24K Magic“Bruno Mars’s album is a tidy, if derivative, antidote to today’s overthought, overwrought pop.” | Jonathan Wroble Read the review | 60 3/5 | 72 | 2016 |
 Alicia KeysHere“Alicia Keys seems at once more awake and relaxed than ever on her first album in four years.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 74 | 2016 |
 Green DayRevolution Radio“Revolution Radio manages to survey almost the entire bag of tricks Green Day has pulled from over the past 25 years.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 72 | 2016 |
 Nick JonasLast Year Was Complicated“The album offers an even more vibrant collection of colorful, propulsive beats than Nick Jonas did.” | Sam C. Mac Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 70 | 2016 |
 GarbageStrange Little Birds“This is a band very much alive, and hungry, not simply a bunch of middle-aged rockers taking a victory lap.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2016 |
 DrakeViews“Drake continues to reflexively balance out this egotism by dredging up old demons and initiating new beefs.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 71 | 2016 |
 Animal CollectivePainting With | Sam C. Mac Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2016 |
 David BowieBlackstar“Blackstar is defiantly a thing of its own, allowing Bowie to revisit his career-spanning, paradoxical fears with fascinating new sounds.” | Jonathan Wroble Read the review | 80 4/5 | 86 | 2016 |
 Demi LovatoConfident“The album is dominated by a mix of hip-hop-infused midtempo jams and equally misguided rock-tinged power ballads.” | Alexa Camp Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 70 | 2015 |
 Ryan Adams1989 | Jeremy Winograd Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 74 | 2015 |
 DisclosureCaracal | Eric Henderson Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 75 | 2015 |
 Carly Rae JepsenEmotion | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2015 |
 Jason IsbellSomething More Than Free“The album retains Southeastern’s intimate acoustic-based feel and heavyhearted lyrical matter.” | Jeremy Winograd Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | 2015 |
 Kacey MusgravesPageant Material“Kacey Musgraves's Pageant Material is a laidback, melodically impeccable set that makes subtle strides in developing the singer's sound.” | Sam C. Mac Read the review | 60 3/5 | 78 | 2015 |
 Neil YoungThe Monsanto Years | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 69 | 2015 |
 Jason DeruloJason Derulo“Everything Is 4 recalibrates a bit, updating Derulo’s sound to current trends with 11 precision-tooled three-minute-and-change pop songs.” | Sam C. Mac Read the review | 80 4/5 | 68 | 2015 |
 RaekwonFly International Luxurious Art | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 68 | 2015 |
 MadonnaRebel Heart“Tucked inside the lumbering mass of songs is an album that would, under any other circumstances, make for her best in at least a decade.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 66 | 2015 |
 Mark RonsonUptown Special“Uptown Special assembles a seemingly disparate group of collaborators to create a cohesive homage to vintage soul and funk.” | Annie Galvin Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 75 | 2015 |
 Wu-Tang ClanA Better Tomorrow“The Wu-Tang Clan struggles to present a unified front on what’s purportedly the clan’s last official album.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 65 | 2014 |
 One DirectionFour | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 67 | 2014 |
 RöyksoppThe Inevitable End“The Inevitable End excels when it splits the difference between brooding angst and wistful schmaltz.” | Franklin Jones Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 73 | 2014 |
 Neil YoungStorytone | Jeremy Winograd Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 61 | 2014 |
 PrinceArt Official Age | Eric Henderson Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 73 | 2014 |
 U2Songs of Innocence“A bolder, more experimental album would have better reflected Songs of Innocence’s ballsy, innovative roll-out.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 61 | 2014 |
 Ariana GrandeMy Everything“My Everything tries to expand Grande’s horizons with headache-inducing electro-pop and darker, edgier shades of R&B.” | Andrew Chan Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 70 | 2014 |
 Sam SmithIn the Lonely Hour“Sam Smith's 'In the Lonely Hour' is proof that there will always be hearts plagued by love that lives in the shadows.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 62 | 2014 |
 Iggy AzaleaThe New Classic“The New Classic showcases an artist who’s still in the process of figuring out who she wants to be.” | Joe Sweeney Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 53 | 2014 |
 Johnny CashOut Among the Stars“Out Among the Stars is a reminder of how easy Johnny Cash made it all look even when he was slumping.” | Joe Sweeney Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2014 |
 Pharrell WilliamsGirl“G I R L may have benefitted from a few more introspective trips back to the drawing board.” | Eric Henderson Read the review | 60 3/5 | 75 | 2014 |
 BeckMorning Phase“Morning Phase represents not only a return to form, but also serves as one of Beck’s most graceful efforts.” | Kevin Liedel Read the review | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2014 |
 various artistsThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack“There’s no incentive to buy the album unless, of course, you have a particular allegiance to Katniss and her struggle for a good ham sandwich.” | Blue Sullivan Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 60 | 2013 |
 DaughtryDaughtry“Call it A Dozen Even More Listless Variations on “With Arms Wide Open.” | Blue Sullivan Read the review | 20 1/5 | 56 | 2013 |
 EminemThe Marshall Mathers LP 2“Eminem’s shock value has softened by dint of familiarity, but The Marshall Mathers LP 2 still features tantalizing moments of vintage performance.” | Ted Scheinman Read the review | 60 3/5 | 77 | 2013 |
 AviciiTrue“The mechanical churn of commerce rings loudly on each and every track of Avicii’s True.” | Blue Sullivan Read the review via Wikipedia | 10 0.5/5 | 64 | 2013 |
 Arctic MonkeysAM“Arctic Monkeys’ AM is a carefully written and produced effort about the desultory careen of youth.” | Caleb Caldwell Read the review | 80 4/5 | 84 | 2013 |
 Backstreet BoysIn a World Like This | Kevin Scott Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 54 | 2013 |
 Pet Shop BoysElectric“With Electric, the Pet Shop Boys have once again given themselves a lease on another era.” | Paul Schrodt Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | 2013 |
 CiaraCiara“As a collection of potential singles from an artist who should have more #1’s, Ciara is a modest, calculated effort.” | Eric Henderson Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 74 | 2013 |
 WaleThe Gifted | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2013 |
 Empire of the SunIce on the Dune | Kevin Liedel Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 65 | 2013 |
 Pistol AnniesAnnie Up“Annie Up walks the line between rebellion and conformity in ways that are both troubling and provocative.” | Annie Galvin Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | 2013 |
 The StoogesReady to Die“Ready to Die is dumber, louder, and raunchier than any previous Stooges album.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 30 1.5/5 | 68 | 2013 |
 Major LazerFree the Universe“Diplo keeps his grungy dancehall rave running on all cylinders on Free the Universe.” | Kevin Liedel Read the review | 80 4/5 | 68 | 2013 |
 Nick Cave and the Bad SeedsPush the Sky Away“Push the Sky Away is a late-career masterpiece from an antipodean force of nature.” | Mark Collett Read the review | 90 4.5/5 | 81 | 2013 |
 Kendrick LamarGood Kid, M.A.A.D City“With Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Lamar has crafted an intelligent and mature album on the theme of transformation.” | Mark Collett Read the review | 80 4/5 | 87 | 2012 |
 Alicia KeysGirl on Fire“Girl on Fire is less a portrait of womanhood at a crossroads as it is an extension of a career spent navigating straight down the middle of the road.” | Eric Henderson Read the review | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2012 |
 Neil Young and Crazy HorsePsychedelic Pill“Psychedelic Pill, the first album of original material from Neil Young and Crazy Horse in nearly a decade, comes on like a flashback.” | Ted Scheinman Read the review | 80 4/5 | 76 | 2012 |
 Tori AmosGold Dust | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 71 | 2012 |
 Bloc PartyFour | Kevin Liedel Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 63 | 2012 |
 UsherLooking 4 Myself | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 74 | 2012 |
 Scissor SistersScissor Sisters“If there’s one thing Scissor Sisters have never wanted for, it’s a distinct voice.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 76 | 2012 |
 Carrie UnderwoodBlown Away“Underwood rises to the occasion when given the opportunity to tackle multifaceted, well-written material.” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 57 | 2012 |
 Joe JonasFastlife“At least Jonas and his team had the smarts to enlist producers who know how to construct solid pop songs.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2011 |
 Ryan AdamsAshes & Fire“Ryan Adams goes full-on into sensitive troubadour mode on Ashes & Fire.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 79 | 2011 |
 LeAnn RimesLeAnn Rimes“Lady & Gentlemen finds the singer taking real risks and making better music than many of her contemporaries.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 74 | 2011 |
 The GameThe R.E.D. Album“The R.E.D. Album may be the most distilled expression yet of Game’s manifold insecurities.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 63 | 2011 |
 Tinie TempahDisc-Overy“The consistent issue with Disc-Overy is the pairing of Tempah with people who fail to elevate him.” | not named Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 73 | 2011 |
 Chris BrownF.A.M.E.“The cute-to-ick ratio is significantly more favorable than it was last time around.” | Eric Henderson Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 68 | 2011 |
 Avril LavigneGoodbye Lullaby“It’s ultimately on Lavigne’s slight shoulders that Goodbye Lullaby is such a strident, ineffectual attempt at a serious pop record.” | not named Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 54 | 2011 |
 RaekwonShaolin vs. Wu-Tang | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 73 | 2011 |
 RadioheadThe King of Limbs“The album is the musical equivalent of curling up into a reflexive fetal position and entering a calmer, more pensive world.” | Kevin Liedel Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 79 | 2011 |
 MogwaiHardcore Will Never Die, But You Will“The album finds Mogwai going easier on the ears than they have since 2003’s Happy Songs for Happy People.” | Matthew Cole Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2011 |
 CiaraBasic Instinct“Basic Instinct strictly observes a no-ballads policy.” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 71 | 2010 |
 Natasha BedingfieldStrip Me“It may not be the year’s worst pop album, but Strip Me might just be the most exhausting and heavy-handed.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 61 | 2010 |
 Nelly5.0“5.0 sinks into the zone of mediocrity occupied by so many mainstream rap albums.” | not named Read the review | 40 2/5 | 51 | 2010 |
 JamiroquaiRock Dust Light Star“Jamiroquai’s latest is a calculated effort to return to a more organic funk sound.” | Huw Jones Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 71 | 2010 |
 Elvis CostelloNational Ransom | Huw Jones Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2010 |
 Old 97'sThe Grand Theatre, Volume One“It’s great to hear the alt-country vets sounding more alternative and more country than they have in years.” | Matthew Cole Read the review | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2010 |
 Bruno MarsDoo-Wops & Hooligans | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 63 | 2010 |
 Jerry Lee LewisMean Old Man“Mean Old Man may be a fundamentally lazy album, but it works in the right places.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 73 | 2010 |
 Arcade FireThe Suburbs“The album is another triumph of emotional generosity from the most humane and vital rock group of our generation.” | Matthew Cole Read the review | 90 4.5/5 | 90 | 2010 |
 Sheryl Crow100 Miles from Memphis“100 Miles from Memphis' proves that Sheryl Crow may have an affinity for Southern soul, but she doesn’t necessarily have an aptitude for it.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 67 | 2010 |
 Scissor SistersNight Work“By matching their sound so adriotly to the content of their songs, Scissor Sisters makes Night Work an album of real structural sophistication.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 80 4/5 | 65 | 2010 |
 Cyndi LauperMemphis Blues“Memphis Blues is a disappointment because it doesn’t play to Lauper’s considerable strengths.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 45 | 2010 |
 Lil JonCrunk Rock“The ambition level of Crunk Rock, Lil Jon’s long-delayed follow-up to Crunk Juice, is revealed almost immediately.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 53 | 2010 |
 The Dead WeatherSea of Cowards | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 77 | 2010 |
 Kate NashMy Best Friend Is You“Kate Nash’s sophomore effort proves that she’s still the best of the lot when it comes to balancing her pop hooks with a compelling persona.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 60 3/5 | 74 | 2010 |
 Drive-By TruckersThe Big To-Do“The Big To-Do’s workmanlike consistency belies its lack of truly astonishing highs.” | Matthew Cole Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 77 | 2010 |
 Lady ANeed You Now“Someone forgot to tell country trio Lady Antebellum that “sophomore slumps” are now gauche.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 63 | 2010 |
 EditorsIn This Light and on This Evening“In This Light is inspired by the hustle and bustle of London, and perhaps more so its anxiety and paranoia.” | Huw Jones Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 61 | 2010 |
 KeshaAnimal“Just about the only thing Ke$ha makes convincing on Animal is that the current crop of party girls are every bit as soulless as they let on.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 30 1.5/5 | 62 | 2010 |
 Chris BrownGraffiti“Brown spends most of Graffiti wondering why the rest of us haven’t simply moved on when there’s a new party up in here.” | Eric Henderson Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 48 | 2009 |
 The Black KeysBlakroc | Huw Jones Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 71 | 2009 |
 Jay SeanAll or Nothing | Eric Henderson Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 58 | 2009 |
 Adam LambertFor Your Entertainment“The album impresses all the more as the rare Idol debut to sound like the work of an actual artist with a clear sense of purpose.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 70 | 2009 |
 OneRepublicWaking Up“If you thought that success went to Ryan Tedder’s head, Waking Up wastes no time confirming those suspicions.” | Matthew Cole Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 59 | 2009 |
 Between the Buried and MeThe Great Misdirect“The album contains substantial flaws that cannot be chalked up to prog-rock growing pains.” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 60 | 2009 |
 Backstreet BoysThis Is Us“On paper, Backstreet Boys enlisted all of the right people for the third album of their thus-far ineffectual comeback.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 30 1.5/5 | 61 | 2009 |
 ParamoreParamore“It’s the interplay between cheesy and catchy that makes the album a worthy genre time-capsule piece.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 60 3/5 | 80 | 2009 |
 DaughtryLeave This Town | Matthew Cole Read the review via Wikipedia | 20 1/5 | 55 | 2009 |
 Brad PaisleyAmerican Saturday Night“American Saturday Night stands as perhaps the most consistent set of material Paisley has committed to record.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2009 |
 Tori AmosAbnormally Attracted to Sin | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2009 |
 Green Day21st Century Breakdown“Follow-ups to staggeringly successful albums are a queer animal.” | Charles Robbins Read the review | 40 2/5 | 72 | 2009 |
 PJ HarveyA Woman a Man Walked By | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 78 | 2009 |
 Bill CallahanSometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle“Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle once again proves Bill Callahan to be as ageless as the forest.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2009 |
 PrinceLotusflower | Eric Henderson Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 62 | 2009 |
 Keri HilsonIn a Perfect World…“Hilson needs to do much more than pick fights with Beyoncé to justify her transition from hook girl to solo star.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 64 | 2009 |
 Neko CaseMiddle Cyclone“As Neko Case’s brand of macabre, modern American gothic music has become more obtuse and difficult, she’s only seen her popularity expand.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2009 |
 U2No Line on the Horizon“The album is a compromise between the experimental and the pedestrian.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 60 3/5 | 75 | 2009 |
 Fall Out BoyFolie à Deux“Folie à Deux seems to prove that Fall Out Boy is good at masking its best qualities and pushing forward its most annoying ones.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 70 | 2008 |
 BeyoncéI Am… Sasha Fierce“The biggest problem with Beyoncé’s third solo effort is evident right in its title.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 60 3/5 | 63 | 2008 |
 Ryan Adams & the CardinalsCardinology“Smooth and mostly sunny, Cardinology hums along on the fumes of better Ryan Adams material.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 69 | 2008 |
 CalexicoCarried to Dust“There is a breed of musician that is never content to sit still.” | Casey Boland Read the review | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2008 |
 OasisDig Out Your Soul“Dig Out Your Soul is more rewarding than spending time with cunts like Death and All His Friends.” | Steven Rybicki Read the review | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2008 |
 Michelle WilliamsUnexpected | Robin Carolan Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 69 | 2008 |
 Jennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 50 2.5/5 | 60 | 2008 |
 The Pussycat DollsDoll Domination | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 47 | 2008 |
 Lil WayneTha Carter II“Carter III is the Sizzler of rap albums.” | Dave Hughes Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 82 | 2008 |
 Cyndi LauperBring Ya to the Brink“Bring Ya to the Brink recaptures Lauper’s artistic relevance and stands as a hipper alternative to Madonna’s Hard Candy.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 71 | 2008 |
 Nine Inch NailsThe Slip“The Slip is likely to leave you with a mild case of buyer’s remorse.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 71 | 2008 |
 PortisheadThird“The Bristol trip-hop pioneers’ 'Third' is starker, leaner, and more dissonant than its immediate sibling.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 90 4.5/5 | 88 | 2008 |
 RöyksoppJunior | Jesse Cataldo Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2008 |
 Panic! at the DiscoPretty. Odd.“At a time when the indie world is furiously reviving ’60s pop, here’s a mainstream act trying to stay ahead of the game.” | Paul Schrodt Read the review | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2008 |
 Flo RidaMail on Sunday“On Mail on Sunday, Flo Rida joylessly repeats all the tired tropes of Southern party rap.” | Wilson McBee Read the review via Wikipedia | 20 1/5 | 54 | 2008 |
 Kathleen EdwardsAsking for Flowers“Kathleen Edwards’s pen is at its sharpest on her third album.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 78 | 2008 |
 RazorlightRazorlight“Razorlight is the latest in a long line of unconvincing Trojan horse projects.” | Jesse Cataldo Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 50 | 2008 |
 Beach HouseDevotion“The album includes all of the ingredients as its predecessor, but a ratcheting-up of intensity makes this album shine brighter.” | Wilson McBee Read the review via Wikipedia | 90 4.5/5 | 76 | 2008 |
 Janet JacksonDiscipline“If one were to try to identify some kind of evolution in Janet’s latest bout of dirty talk, it might be sex with robots.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2008 |
 Sheryl CrowDetours“Sheryl Crow's 'Detours' reunites the singer with producer Bill Bottrell for the first time since her debut.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2008 |
 The LibertinesThe Libertines“While Pete Doherty’s deathwatch continues, the legacy of the Libertines remains in limbo.” | Wilson McBee Read the review | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2007 |
 PitbullThe Boatlift“The album proves once again that Pitbull is a savvy curator of Latin-inflected rhythms, classic crunk, and dance-floor R&B.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 65 | 2007 |
 Jordin SparksJordin Sparks | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2007 |
 The HivesThe Black and White Album“Black and White finds the Hives making their first real effort toward diversifying their sound.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 74 | 2007 |
 Steve EarleWashington Square Serenade“Steve Earle racks up more wins than losses on Washington Square Serenade.” | Ewan Wadharmi Read the review | 60 3/5 | 63 | 2007 |
 Carrie UnderwoodCarnival Ride“Carnival Ride simply doesn’t offer anything for the unconverted in terms of Underwood’s growth either as a vocalist or as an artist.” | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 70 | 2007 |
 Bruce SpringsteenMagic“I’ll grant you that Magic is uneven, but I cannot admit that it is anything other than constantly captivating.” | Jimmy Newlin Read the review | 80 4/5 | 84 | 2007 |
 Jimmy Eat WorldChase This Light | Jonathan Keefe Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2007 |
 RadioheadIn Rainbows“As with almost every Radiohead album, there are moments of brilliance, inventiveness, and surprise.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 90 | 2007 |
 Annie LennoxSongs of Mass Destruction“Lennox’s voice, capable of creating the illusion of an entire choir as it does on the gospel-y “Ghost in My Machine,” is always the key focus of her music.” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 67 | 2007 |
 50 CentCurtis“Curtis is equal parts gratuitous violence and romance.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 30 1.5/5 | 63 | 2007 |
 Kanye WestGraduation“I’m sort of looking forward to hearing the next album built around the disillusionment of his first entry-level position.” | Eric Henderson Read the review | 60 3/5 | 79 | 2007 |
 FabolousFrom Nothin’ to Somethin’“Def Jam threw some serious bread behind Fabolous’s new album.” | not named Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 60 | 2007 |
 Ryan AdamsEasy Tiger“Though often criticized for over-saturation, Ryan Adams is as efficient as he is prolific.” | Jimmy Newlin Read the review | 80 4/5 | 71 | 2007 |
 Enrique IglesiasEnrique Iglesias“If you’re going to make an album called Insomniac, you’d be wise not to include a bunch of songs likely to put people to sleep.” | not named Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 60 | 2007 |
 Ne-YoBecause of You“Because O=of You is just one example of the impact that Quincy Jones-era MJ has had on today’s crop of young R&B performers.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 76 | 2007 |
 The DoorsL.A. Woman“New York may have adopted the Doors as their own, but the band belonged to the dusty desert roads and highways of the West.” | Sal Cinquemani Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 81 | 2007 |
 Nine Inch NailsYear Zero“If you give a Nine Inch Nails album a cookie, it’ll want a glass of milk.” | Brian Schiller Read the review | 60 3/5 | 76 | 2007 |
 Fall Out BoyInfinity on High“It’s the new Cold War, and it’s being fought by sensitive musicians in tight pants.” | Scott Shetler Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 73 | 2007 |
 The LemonheadsThe Lemonheads | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 90 4.5/5 | 68 | 2007 |