Music Reviews

Singer Jen Shyu was born in Illinois, but spent years in East Asia, studying regional music, languages and literature. Critic Kevin Whitehead says that Shyu's research echoes throughout her new album.

A two-CD set featuring performers from the Lyric Stage of Irving, Texas, revives the complete score of the 1954 musical, The Golden Apple. Critic Lloyd Schwartz calls it a "game-changing" recording.

Noah Gundersen uses his devout religious upbringing to examine faith and spirituality in his music. Meredith Ochs reviews his latest album, Carry the Ghost.

Craig Finn has had a prolific rock career with his bands Lifter Puller and The Hold Steady. Now 44, Finn has just released his second solo album, Faith in the Future. Critic Tom Moon says it sounds like a musician looking for his next act.

The horn-led band updates traditional Mexican party/folk music for modern American listeners on its self-titled album. Critic Milo Miles says Banda De Los Muertos' debut will make you dance.

In 1955, pianist Erroll Garner's trio played in Carmel, Calif. A new complete edition of the Concert By The Sea album has just been released. Critic Kevin Whitehead has a review.

In her first solo album, Potter moves away from the hard-rock groove for which she's known and explores new genres. Critic Ken Tucker says Midnight "sounds like the breakaway from formula that it is."

Eight years ago, jazz drummer and composer Harris Eisenstadt put together a quintet called Canada Day. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the group's new album shows the wisdom of sticking together.

Music critic Will Hermes has been won over by the remarkably beautiful, pure voice of Joan Shelley. He reviews her new album, Over and Even.

The "Call Me Maybe" singer proves she's not just a one-hit wonder with her new album. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Jepsen's record is "adventurously diverse in both its sounds and its sentiments."