Ryan Adams

The good news is that Ryan Adams isn't dead. Rumors of his demise surfaced when he went a year without releasing a solo album (never mind dude's secret hip-hop projects posted on his website). On his ninth LP in seven years as a solo artist, Adams returns to catchy twang-pop with his band the Cardinals. "Goodnight Rose" opens the album with a Byrdsy jangle, and "Two" features guest vocals by Sheryl Crow. But the heartfelt "Tears Of Gold" is one of the best songs he's unleashed since 2000's Heartbreaker album. "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" recalls Neil Young's long-haired heyday.