Eddi Reader
Artist: Eddi Reader

On her second solo album, folk-rocker Eddi Reader moves from strength to strength. The first four songs pack an emotional wallop that might seem to be at odds with the sweet tunefulness and wispy arrangements involved: "The Right Place" is a gentle but firm assertion of romantic confidence; "Patience of Angels" depicts loneliness and despair... Read More

MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident
Artist: Michael Penn

When Michael Penn released MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident, the strict playlist of adult-alternative radio made it pretty clear that it'd be difficult for him to have a hit, so Penn doesn't even try - he just creates a record for himself and his cult. Brendan O'Brien, the producer of Resigned, mans the boards on the opening cut "Lucky... Read More

Amen
Artist: Paula Cole
Community Score: 10.00

Thanks to Paula Cole's appearance on the first Lilith Fair and "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?," This Fire didn't really take off until nearly a year after its 1996 release; plus, its closer "I Don't Want to Wait" became nearly omnipresent in 1998. So, the gap between This Fire and its sequel, Amen, didn't feel all that long, but a cursory... Read More

Burn to Shine
Artist: Ben Harper
Community Score: 9.17
Spirit - AUSTRALIA BONUS CD
Artist: Jewel
Castle of Crime
Artist: Lakuna

Throwing Muses' longtime drummer David Narcizo helms Lakuna, whose 1999 debut Castle Of Crime blends found sounds, programmed and live drums, samples of vintage music and spoken word albums and electronic textures.

Despite being radically different from his other band, Lakuna includes contributions old friends and former bandmates... Read More

Whereabouts
Artist: Ron Sexsmith
Community Score: 8.90

Ron Sexsmith's third album continues the singer/songwriter's talent -- and perhaps his need -- for revealing his delicate and contemplative reflections on life and himself. On Whereabouts, Sexsmith sounds vulnerable yet a bit more worldly than on his previous two albums, and his clear, plaintive vocals sound best on the most introspective tracks... Read More

Pieces of You - JAPAN BONUS TRACKS
Artist: Jewel
Community Score: 5.00

Pieces of You is a charming debut that is somewhat undone by its own naïveté. Jewel has a rich voice and an innocent, beguiling charm that makes "Who Will Save Your Soul," "I'm Sensitive," and "You Were Meant for Me" -- songs with slight, simple lyrics and catchy, sweet melodies -- quite endearing; they sound like a high-school diary brought to... Read More

Where Have All the Cowboys Gone - UK
Artist: Paula Cole
Angels & Electricity
Artist: Eddi Reader
Community Score: 10.00

In these health-conscious times, it's tempting to distrust the sweet and pretty. But not everything that tastes good is bad for you. Bear that in mind as you listen to Eddi Reader's latest solo album, on which she teams up with fellow British pop-folkie Boo Hewerdine (who plays guitar, produces and wrote half the songs) to deliver a luscious... Read More

Other Songs
Artist: Ron Sexsmith
Community Score: 9.50

The quandary of the whole solo singer/songwriter thing is that one listener's deeply personal and affecting music is another's boringly self-absorbed slop. And the fine line between them, between naked emotion and unadulterated pap, is the production, its intent, and above all, the talent trapped in it -- so highly exposed, after all. In this... Read More

Fight for Your Mind
Artist: Ben Harper
Community Score: 6.96
Ron Sexsmith
Artist: Ron Sexsmith
Community Score: 8.50

Ron Sexsmith is so anti-cool that this may actually be one the coolest albums you hear. The Toronto singer/songwriter's appearance matches his music perfectly -- hair falling in tousled bangs over doe eyes and baby face; one of those guys who always got beat up in high school and couldn't string two words together in front of a real live girl... Read More

Pieces of You
Artist: Jewel
Community Score: 7.80

Jewel's debut album is a charming collection of light alternative folk-rock from the teenage singer/songwriter. Her songs are occasionally naive, but her melodies can usually save her lyrics. ~ Sara Sytsma, All Music Guide Read More

Flesh
Artist: David Gray

On Flesh, David Gray's 1994 release, the Welsh singer/songwriter wraps his rough-hewn voice around ten self-penned songs that deal mainly with relationships. Delivered in his earnest voice, the highly literate observations of the lyrics and the folk-tinged feel of the music is easily compared to the work of Mike Scott of Waterboys fame. "What... Read More

White Ladder
Artist: David Gray
Community Score: 7.92

David Gray's fan base is strong and active. They have seen him through his years with Virgin Records, during which time he was applauded for his talent, emotive voice, and songwriting skills yet never quite broke through to a mainstream audience. White Ladder showcases Gray like never before; it's an album of such depth and quality that one... Read More