Armatrading has always been a top notch vocalist and songwriter, but with INTO THE BLUES she comes into her own as a guitarist. Up there with June Millington and Bonnie Raitt, Armatrading has a style that is easy and unforced, but always enjoyable. A very nice surprise!

Not as instantly appealing as her 2005 debut effort, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND still proved that Lambert is a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to meld styles and hop from genre to genre never seems forced.....instead, it reminds the listener of another classic country chameleon, Miss Emmylou Harris. And that's pretty good company to be compared to!

Jones' strongest release in years! Yes, it's pretty much a concept album, but a fun, thoughtful one. After years of spotty efforts, Rickie Lee proves she's still a contender, someone who can't be counted out!

Another covers album (Man, they ARE taking over the world!), but one that, like INTO WHITE, both showcases the strengths of what we've come to expect from Wilson as an artist over the years, plus some new vibes. She uses her killer guest list to GREAT advantage, but is never overpowered by them.

You might think a pop album done completely in French might be a risk, but Carlisle pulls it off. There's a sense of fun that is very Go-Goesque, but it's coupled with a maturity that is both sexy and smart.

A little too much attitude for someone in their 60's, but the disc grows on you more and more with each listen. Hints of classic Blondie pop up here and there....here's hoping that'll happen even more on Harry's next release! In other words, more fun, less posing! Still, there are enough strong moments to give it a spin!