Bone Thugs issue surprisingly strong album
USA Today
"Strength & Loyalty" by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
It has been more than a decade since this Cleveland contingent first came creeping up on us with its blistering rhymes and ethereal harmonies. Still, it's refreshing to hear from artists more intent on improving their craft than riding the latest wave.
Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone and Wish Bone (Bizzy is no longer with them) sound more sage than ever and seem energized by the production from the likes of Swizz Beatz, Will.i.am and Akon. Mariah Carey, Bow Wow, Yolanda Adams, Twista and The Game all make meaningful contributions.
The Bone Thugs prove more thoughtful than most in dealing with life's daily struggles, whether it's poverty, personal demons or other products of their environment. They can ask for spiritual guidance on one song, then get grimy in the streets on the next. But even when they fall back on such staple themes as gunplay or candy paint, it is at least artfully done. They have come a long way since "Tha Crossroads," but they've kept their feet firmly on a creative path.
— Steve Jones
"The Reminder" by Feist
Leslie Feist is a Canadian indie-rock darling who, judging by the radio-resistant tunes on this latest album, isn't likely to transcend that cult status any time soon. Feist's sweet, mildly quirky voice is an intriguing instrument, but few of these folk-based songs offer enough vitality or depth to accommodate anything more than alluring wisps of feeling. To describe this as elevator music for hip people would be a little unfair, but not entirely inaccurate.
— Elysa Gardner
