#715 - Ram, Paul McCartney

"Paul McCartney's second solo album, Ram -- which was credited as a collaboration with his wife, Linda -- is a more substantial and produced effort, yet it has much of the same homemade charm as its predecessor. Divided between simple pop/rockers and cleverly constructed mini-suites like "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" and "Back Seat of My Car," Ram doesn't gel into any major statement, but it has many pleasurable detours." (allmusic guide)

#714 - Los Angeles, X

"Los Angeles is prime X, offering such all-time classics as the venomous "Your Phone's Off the Hook, but You're Not," a tale of date rape called "Johnny Hit and Run Paulene," and two of their best anthems (and enduring concert favorites), "Nausea" and the title track." (allmusic guide)




#713 - Dig Me Out, Sleater-Kinney

"Leaner and more intricate than its predecessor, the record is remarkably confident and mature; instead of succumbing to the pressures of "next big thing" status, the trio finds vindication in all of their critical adulation -- the vocals are even more ferocious, the melodies are even more infectious, and the ideals are even more passionate." (allmusic guide)

#712 - Ophelia, Natalie Merchant

"Like Tigerlily, the songs on Ophelia have hushed, layered arrangements that are outgrowths, not replicas, of 10,000's jangly folk-rock. However, Ophelia lacks the subtle sonic textures and graceful hooks that made Merchant's debut so charming." (allmusic guide)




#711 - Between The Lines, Janis Ian

"This is Janis Ian's second album from her re-emergence in the early to mid-'70s as one of the genre's most inspired and original singer/songwriters. While this title houses Ian's biggest international hit, the confessional "At Seventeen," the entire effort combines her honest and confessional lyrics with an equally engaging blend of pop/rock and definite jazz and blues." (allmusic guide)

#710 - The Colour And The Shape, Foo Fighters

"The full Foo Fighters make Grohl's songs heavier, not punkier, which may be a little unsettling to fans of the debut's ragged, amateurish edge. It's also strange that the album has such a glossy, arena-ready sound, since Grohl's songs are introspective, quite different than the endearing punk-pop of its predecessor." (allmusic guide)