Music Reviews

In "Sea Change," the London folk-pop duo Turin Brakes makes the most of its impeccable vocal phrasing. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Lizz Wright invigorates "God Specializes" with timeless fervor by channeling her pedigree in Hahira, Ga. Vincent Soyez hide caption

Miami Horror's "Holidays" is a simple way to satisfy a retro dance-pop fix without going on YouTube for a self-inflicted Rick Roll. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Joost Buis' tunes are clean and true, and still let weird details nibble at the edges on Zoomin'. Monique Baan hide caption

"Older" finds Band of Horses pining for a love that never fades, no matter what goes on around it. courtesy of the artist hide caption

In "Shudder and Cry," a blues-drenched guitar solo accentuates a sorrowful chorus: "It's a crying shame." courtesy of the artist hide caption

Jukebox the Ghost's "Schizophrenia" bounces off every available wall, but a steady piano rhythm keeps it from getting too twitchy. Shervin Lainez hide caption

Benita Valente made her debut with the Met on September 22, 1973, singing Pamina in The Magic Flute. Peter Checchia hide caption

"Losing You" is a prime example of the power Mavis Staples still holds in her vocal cords. courtesy of the artist hide caption

As a piece of pop, Happy Birthday's "Girls FM" isn't impeccably groomed, but it's all the better for it. A. Banks hide caption

Robert Plant made his first commercial recordings in 1966. He formed the ground Band of Joy in 1967, with drummer John Bonham. Gregg Delman hide caption

In "Long Walk to Never," Long Island singer-songwriter Jaymay captivates with layered vocals and endearing nods to London and New York. Samantha Seerman hide caption