U2’s ‘Songs of Innocence’ is the sound of a band coming to terms with all of its former selves.

Take everything else away, and Andy Bey’s vocal gift is revealed anew.

A classically gnarled Young rocker, but with a gospel twist.

John Mellencamp sounds wisened, but he also sounds heartened.

After eight long years away, Mark Elf isn’t creeping back into things.

Every detail is given the kind of weight only Lucinda Williams can provide.

The Levins offer a jazz album of warm intimacy, and no small connective power.

A stirring comeback just before fate closed its hand around a legend’s heart.

Edgy and raw, as bracing as any live Queen performance ever released.

Albert Collins’ words, so filled with regret and devastated acceptance, still ring true.