Kacey Musgraves
Same Trailer Different Park
Country

This quietly incendiary major-label debut from 25-year-old Kacey Musgraves takes all those familiar country clichés … and douses them with …

Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

JT pays sentimental, sensual and suggestive tribute to his new bride, Jessica Biel.

Robin Thicke
“Blurred Lines”
Pop, R&B

The biggest hit of R&B singer Robin Thicke’s career doesn’t do fans any favors. Or women. Or our culture. Or …

RED
Release the Panic
Metal, Rock

“We’re still a rock band,” says RED guitarist Anthony Armstrong, “[but] there are some poppier elements on this record that …

Justin Bieber
Believe Acoustic
Pop

As the title Believe Acoustic implies, Justin Bieber’s latest chart-topping effort is an acoustic reworking of Believe … plus three …

Twenty One Pilots
Vessel
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Reggae, Rock

If you’re wondering why on earth we’re reviewing an album that came out four years ago, read on.

Black Veil Brides
Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones
Metal, Rock

This 19-song opus from the L.A. glam-metal act Black Veil Brides is actually—and surprisingly—more Muse than Mötley Crüe.

Bruno Mars
Unorthodox Jukebox
Pop, R&B, Reggae

Bruno Mars employs his considerable vocal prowess in the service of songs that are so primally sexual that even Rolling …

Lifehouse
Almería
Alternative, Pop, Rock

California alt-rockers Lifehouse return with a tweaked sound … and the same earnest, upbeat message.

Rihanna
Unapologetic
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, Reggae

Rihanna doesn’t show any signs of submitting to anyone else’s idea of who she should be—or who she should be …

Phillip Phillips
The World From the Side of the Moon
Alternative, Folk, Pop, Rock

American Idol’s 2012 champion strums his way through a moody, lyrically dense but mostly optimistic debut effort that fans of …

One Direction
Take Me Home
Pop

This Irish/British boy band is headed in only one direction: the wrong one.

Christina Aguilera
Lotus
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop

Lotus is supposed to be about fresh “new beginnings.” But there’s quite a lot of “nasty endings” here too.

Flyleaf
New Horizons
Alternative, Metal, Rock

Flyleaf’s latest roaring effort once again affirms faith in the face of struggle. It also serves as fiery frontwoman Lacey …

Bridgit Mendler
Hello My Name Is …
Pop

Disney’s latest actress/singer starlet (this one from Good Luck Charlie) makes her musical bow. So should we write another review, …