The Philly-based songwriter navigates late-night Laurel Canyon-style fare, country-tinged ballads and moody soft-rock with an ear for piercing textures.
A new four-disc compilation presents recordings Armstrong made for Verve in 1957. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the album includes a wealth of alternate takes, warm-ups and rehearsal sequences.
In the midst of all the world's chaos, Janelle Monáe's Dirty Computer — both the album and the "emotion picture" — is a heroine's journey set to a symphony.