Nick Lowe

With The Convincer, Nick Lowe completes the voyage he began with The Impossible Bird, delivering a collection of unimpeachable, devastatingly postured torch songs. "You look like butter could melt in your mouth," he hounddogs on the opening track, "Homewrecker." Judging by the record that follows -- featuring amorous, provocative, gentlemanly heartbreakers like "Cupid Must Be Angry" and "Poor Side Of Town" -- he might as well be singing into a mirror. If this late-career work of unprecedented poise doesn't turn your knees to mush, check your pulse.