'Double Up' R. Kelly

Five years and three solo albums since he was indicted on child-pornography charges, it's hard to figure out what is most compelling about rhythm-and-blues singer R. Kelly.

But as a whole, Double Up proves that this undeniable talent has no problem reprising a musical approach or vocal style as many times as he likes.

-- Sonia Murray

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

'Sweet Warrior' Richard Thompson

Through a modest but magnificent career, Richard Thompson has melded the rigorous beauty of the Celtic-folk tradition with his own unsparing eye and ear.

Sweet Warrior spins stories of some typical Thompson characters -- unstable cads, cheating lovers, spiteful exes -- and some unusual ones (a gang stool pigeon, an IRA bomber).

-- Jon Pareles

The New York Times

'Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash' Various musicians

Tribute albums are rarely as good as the original songs by the original artist.

One exception: If the original artist had a voice you didn't like. June Carter Cash's twang was so twangy that some might prefer Jackson sung by, say, Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn than by June and Johnny Cash.

With that in mind, 11 of the 12 songs (the sole clinker being Kris Kristofferson's croaking duet with Patty Loveless) either written by Carter Cash or performed by her are winners.

Carter Cash was a uniquely visceral songwriter, and these clearly enunciated renditions will strike a chord with many.

-- Gary Budzak

gbudzak@dispatch.com

'Lies for the Liars' The Used

The Used is a derivative band, harder than pop punk but a disgrace to the post-hard-core moniker most commonly associated with it.

Lies for the Liars comes off as a record that could have been made by any of the modern rock bands getting love from FM radio today.

To his credit, though, singer Bert McCracken has one of the best voices in the game.

-- Ricardo Baca

The Denver Post