Owl City
Cinematic
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

What if we’re all heroes in our own movie? That’s the intriguing premise behind Adam Young’s inspiring new album, Cinematic.

Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes
Alternative, Pop, Rock

Love and lust, hope and heartbreak get all tangled up on Shawn Mendes’ third, self-titled effort.

Charlie Puth
Voicenotes
Pop, R&B

On Charlie Puth’s second effort, he can’t seem to decide if he’s more interested in being sweet or seductive.

Post Malone
Beerbongs & Bentleys
Alternative, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

On Post Malone’s second effort, he does whatever he wants—though unbridled hedonism clearly isn’t making him happy.

Keith Urban
Graffiti U
Country

Positive themes outweigh problems on Keith Urban’s latest. But there’s still enough sippin’ ‘n’ swearin’ to warrant a warning.

Janelle Monáe
Dirty Computer
Pop, R&B

Janelle Monáe’s latest is a compelling, complicated case study in contradictions when it comes to love and freedom.

Jason Aldean
Rearview Town
Country

There’s no life experience that can’t be marinated in alcohol, if you take Jason Aldean’s songs here at face value.

Cardi B
Invasion of Privacy
Rap/Hip-Hop

Cardi B’s nonstop vulgarity might just make you feel as if she’s invaded your privacy.

Kacey Musgraves
Golden Hour
Country

Kacey Musgraves’ third effort brims with positivity and only plows over a couple of content bumps along the way.

George Ezra
Staying at Tamara’s
Alternative, Folk, Pop

As musical escapes go, this one gets a mixed review.

Scotty McCreery
Seasons Change
Country

Scotty McCreery’s latest delivers another dose of his baritone country earnestness—and nods to tipping back a brew or two.

Three Days Grace
Outsider
Alternative, Metal, Rock

Light and dark swirl on this Canadian rock act’s latest effort … with darkness perhaps claiming the last word.

Vance Joy
Nation of Two
Alternative, Folk, Pop

This up-and-coming Australian indie artist majors in sweet sentiments and dabbles in some mild sensuality as well.

Various/Soundtrack
Black Panther: The Album (Music From and Inspired By)
R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop

This soundtrack’s admirable cry for justice, love and equality competes with explicit lyrics filled with sex, drugs and violence.

Various/Soundtrack
Fifty Shades Freed (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

Tender love songs are in the minority on a soundtrack that more often mirrors the R-rated content of the film …