Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg has made a dinner-music album. Fans might be disappointed, but newcomers will be enthralled. So let's just take Mr. Peace and Justice on its own terms: the product of a midlife mellowing that will speak to a lot of people. Bragg's voice sounds warmer and more elastic than it ever has, and he's still better than almost anyone at crafting clever lyrics that are actually singable. The country soul backing simply glows, though a few of his political lyrics sound out of place in such company. (Purists, take note: the deluxe edition includes an acoustic version of the full album.)