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The return of Bon Jovi, some solo albums from members of The Strokes and Eagles, and a whole lot more -- it's another busy week in rock. Let's get down to business.
Bon Jovi
The Circle
Arena-Rock
***
Who says you can't go home? After shamelessly mounting the country bandwagon for 2007's Lost Highway, the soccer-mom heartthrobs circle back to their arena-rock wheelhouse for CD 11. The everyman lyrics about living for today, the U2ish anthems about love, the huge singalong choruses, the lush strings; everything your gal wants is right here. You have my sympathies.
Download: Work for the Working Man, Bullet
Timothy B. Schmit
Expando
Country-Rock
***1/2
Schmit usually gets overshadowed by his Eagles bandmates. So it's good to see the singer-bassist seize the spotlight -- and make the most of it. Schmit's first CD in eight years is a laid-back stunner, with 11 cuts of California country-rock, blues, folk and jazz outfitted with tasteful sonics, sunset harmonies, witty lyrics and VIPs from Keb' Mo' to Kid Rock. Essential for Eagles fans.
Download: One More Mile, White Boy From Sacramento
JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Phrazes for the Young
New Wave
***1/2
Strokes singer Casablancas is also the quintet's chief songwriter. But if you expect his solo debut to echo his garage-rocking day job, you're wrong. Jules spends most of this 40-minute set toying with reverb-soaked synth-pop, new wave, doo-wop and even neo-country-blues -- though his moody croon remains constant. Strokes of originality, if not quite genius.
Download: 4 Chords of the Apocalypse, River of Brakelights
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Country-Pop
**1/2
Make that On and On. Country-pop princess Underwood sticks to the program on her third CD, turning in another immaculate and personality-free set of soaring radio-friendly torch and sassy arena-ready twang -- all penned by country icons such as Max Martin, Kara DiGuardi, Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida. No doubt it'll sell a jillion. Safe as milk. And about as tasty.
Download: Undo It, Songs Like This
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
Reality Killed the Video Star
Brit-Pop
**1/2
"Don't call it a comeback," purrs Robbie. Well, how about a setback? Or at least a big step back? Forsaking the freaky electro-disco of 2006's Rudebox, Williams inexplicably returns to his pop-ballad comfort zone for this eighth set. There are a handful of decent singles, but they're outweighed by Beatlesque orchestrations, Eltonish simpering and groanworthy puns. Pity.
Download: Bodies, Do You Mind
TRAIN
Save Me, San Francisco
Roots-Rock
***
And then there were three. On this fifth CD, these Californians have dropped two members, and longtime producer Brendan O'Brien. All good moves, apparently -- this is one of their more varied and intriguing efforts, incorporating Black Crowes southern-rock, fuzzy riffs, and even a reggae-rocker based on the Doobies' Black Water. You can't say they have one-track minds.
Download: Save Me, San Francisco, I Got You