Future Islands' lead singer Samuel T. Herring has called his band's fifth full-length release 'a driving album.' That description seems to fit in a couple of ways, with its road-inspired themes and Herring's affected singing style adding intensity and drama to the forward-pulsating beats.

The fifth album by Gorillaz may best be described as a mixtape, consisting as it does of 20 tracks tied together by a common theme determined by project leader Damon Albarn.

Equal parts history lesson, autobiography and love letter, 'All The Beauty In This Whole Life' delivers Brother Ali's bone-cracking messages while maintaining a beautiful amount of gratitude.

After a six-year hiatus from writing and recording, Canadian singer-songwriter Leslie Feist has returned with an album that brings forward Feist's voice, lyrics, and guitar playing unlike her previous releases.

With 'DAMN.', Kendrick Lamar has created a cyclical album full of jarring beats and tempo switches that prove he hasn't given up on his adventurous side. And sonically, Kendrick is going places he hasn't gone for years. 'DAMN.' is the sound of Kendrick having his cake and eating it, too.

Get ready to face the ugliness of humanity, head on, per the gospel of Father John Misty.

The latest album from the New Pornographers features some personnel changes, yet it is another gift from a terrific band.

Conor Oberst's eighth solo studio album is a kind of companion piece to last year's effort, 'Ruminations.' Plugged in and fleshed out with a full band made up of Oberst's friends gives 'Salutations' a loose and fun feel that DJ Bill DeVille likens to Bob Dylan and the Band's Big Pink sessions.

Grandaddy's fifth studio album -- and their first since 2006 -- is 'Last Place.' It's our album of the week. Brian Oake writes, 'This album is nostalgic, reflective, and, on most levels, hopeful.'

Spoon's ninth studio album, 'Hot Thoughts,' is our Album of the Week. 'The band from Texas delivered a dang good record,' writes Mary Lucia.