DEPECHE MODE

Sounds of the Universe

Synth-rock

Mute/EMI

With synths back in style and a nearly sold-out world stadium tour about to begin, there's actually a palpable excitement for a new Depeche Mode record. For their 12th studio album, the U.K. group once again recorded with British producer Ben Hillier, who helmed the trio's solid 2005 comeback CD, "Playing the Angel."

Kirk Miller, Metromix

Overview: Hooks. Variety. Tempo adjustments. All three characteristics are missing on "Sounds," a good-sounding but ultimately forgettable CD. Blame directionless tracks like "Hole to Feed" and "Fragile Tension." While spontaneity is not this group's forté, it's only on the (relatively) speedier tracks like "Miles Away/The Truth Is" and "Peace" that the band feels energized. Otherwise, this is simply gloomy Muzak.

2 stars

ASHER ROTH

Asleep in the Bread Aisle

Hip-hop / novelty rap

Universal Motown

"I Love College," Asher Roth's decadence-loving, parent-frightening first single, has become the ubiquitous hit of the year so far. The suburban Philly rapper's debut record, "Asleep in the Bread Aisle" is Roth's only hope of escaping dreaded one-hit wonder status.

Jeff Miller, Special to Metromix

Overview: Shockingly, he does it, and then some, delivering a record that's similar in its surprising breadth to "The Slim Shady LP" — that stunningly original debut from one of Roth's admitted idols, Eminem. He achieves this by both embracing his rep as a party boy (if you can't guess what "Blunt Cruisin'" is about, you also have no idea why this record was released on 4/20) and acknowledging his privileged upbringing ("Bad Day" contains lyrics about forgetting an iPod on the flight to a gig), while spitting wordplay so natural, you'd be hard pressed to deny he's a cunning linguist.

4 stars

TINTED WINDOWS

Tinted Windows

Power pop

S-Curve

The debut LP from this so-called "supergroup" features ex-Hanson brother Taylor on vocals, former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos; but it really feels masterminded by bassist, songwriter, Fountains of Wayne co-frontman and power-pop disciple Adam Schlesinger, who also penned the theme song to the Tom Hanks movie "That Thing You Do!"

Keith N. Dusenberry, Special to Metromix

Overview: Despite Schlesinger's promise as an astute crafter of tossed-off power-pop in the early FoW days, his output has become bland. It no longer seems like he's attempting to write the (unattainably) "perfect" pop rock song; it now appears Schlesinger's earnestly trying to do it. The hipness and humor are lost, replaced by utter schmaltz and a sense of trying too hard. This group's gimmicky stab at youth via Hanson could be clever if it didn't seem so sad.

2 stars

MR. LIF

I Heard It Today

Hip-hop / rap

Bloodbot Tactical Enterprises

During the Golden Age of hip-hop, it was no surprise to hear conscientious rhymes tackling social and political problems. Today is a whole new story, which makes Mr. Lif somewhat of a throwback treasure. Since 2000, his EPs ("Enters the Colossus," "Emergency Rations") and LPs ("I Phantom," "Mo' Mega") have dissected power plays from Hollywood to Washington with skill and aplomb. But this full-length, the first for his own label, is on another level. From the economic meltdown to war to the ascension of Barack Obama, nothing is spared his assault.

Scott Thrill, Special to Metromix

Overview: This is Lif's finest work yet. Rather than use Lif's dystopian lyrics as a crutch, the drums of "Welcome to the World" and "What About Us?" boom and pound with a life of their own. Even when he goes more digital on "The Sun" and the chiptunes-like title track, Lif's flow keeps the pace steady.

4 stars