Ashley Monroe, Like a Rose
Country
* * * * (out of four)
Nashville's lovers of traditional country have raved about the Pistol Annies member's staggering talent for years. With this Vince Gill-produced album, by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, everyone can hear what the fuss is about. - Brian Mansfield
Download:Weed Instead of Roses, You Ain't Dolly (And You Ain't Porter)
Boz Scaggs, Memphis
Soul/blues
* * * ½
The singer/songwriter's first album in five years oozes with the soul of the title city. This eclectic batch of mostly cover songs was recorded at the legendary Royal Studio with a stellar lineup of session players. His vocals are sublime. - Steve Jones
Download:Mixed Up Shook Up Girl, Dry Spell, Rainy Night in Georgia
Madeleine Peyroux, The Blue Room
Sleepy roots-pop
* *
In Peyroux's singing, there's a fine line between moody and soporific. Too many tracks here are the latter. Larry Klein produces a mix of rootsy favorites with subdued grace, but the chanteuse lacks the textural, dynamic or emotional range to make them fly. - Elysa Gardner
Download:Take These Chains, Desperadoes Under the Eaves
