Rihanna
Rated R
Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

Rihanna blends rage, sex and profanity on a disc that bears a title honestly indicative of its deliberately edgy, angry …

Lady Gaga
The Fame Monster
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

After cutting her teeth in NYC nightclubs, the now superstar Lady Gaga is trying to “out Madonna” Madonna on the …

Adam Lambert
For Your Entertainment
Pop, Rock

If American Idol didn’t make Adam Lambert a household name. His S&M-infused performance at the American Music Awards did. So …

John Mayer
Battle Studies
Folk, Pop, R&B, Rock

You never know what’s going to come out of John Mayer’s mouth next—when he’s talking or singing. So we were …

Casting Crowns
Until the Whole World Hears
Christian/Gospel, Pop, Rock

With its new album certified gold in just four weeks, Casting Crowns isn’t just one of the most popular Christian …

Justin Bieber
My World
Pop

On the surface, this teen’s sugary pop seems almost Disney-esque. But a closer listen suggests that the 15-year-old Web sensation …

Kris Allen
Kris Allen
Pop, Rock

American Idol’s Season 8 champ debuts with a mostly positive (but a little underwhelming) collection of love songs that more …

Leona Lewis
Echo
Pop, R&B

There was a lot to like about Leona Lewis’ first album, Spirit, in 2007. Does her second studio album, Echo, …

Bon Jovi
The Circle
Pop, Rock

Bon Jovi returns (and he’s done that a lot this decade) with a set of rockin’ arena-ready anthems that mostly …

Carrie Underwood
Play On
Country, Pop

American Idol’s biggest star—the platinum-tressed crooner from Checotah, Okla.—continues to avoid hard-livin’ country clichés as she delivers upbeat songs about …

Chris Brown
“I Can Transform Ya”
Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop

Chris Brown’s first single since being convicted of physically abusing then-girlfriend Rihanna doesn’t offer much evidence that he’s learned anything …

Orianthi
“According to You”
Pop, Rock

This Australian guitarist’s frenetic fretwork landed her the short-lived gig of a lifetime—which fortunately for her lasted just long enough …

Lady Gaga
“Bad Romance”
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

Just as its title suggests, Lady Gaga’s latest hit perversely celebrates the demented joys of romancing the bad boys of …

Rihanna
“Russian Roulette”
Pop

Rihanna’s first single in the wake of her violent relationship with Chris Brown is a disturbing track about putting a …

Boys Like Girls
“Two Is Better Than One”
Pop, Punk, Rock

This Boston pop-punk band’s latest hit is its highest charting one, thanks in no small measure to a guest performance …