Ken Tucker

Raitt's first album in three years, called Nick of Time, was produced by Don Was of the band Was (Not Was). Rock critic Ken Tucker says its diverse songs showcase the singer and guitar player's rich voice and increasing accessibility.

XTC's Andy Partridge describes his band's music as "weird pop." His frustration with the imperfections of live performances and his intense stage fright have kept the band from touring. Yet Partridge opens up on XTC's latest album with what rock critic Ken Tucker calls "an aggressive humanism."

The husband and wife duo Ashford & Simpson wrote hits for other artists before striking out on their own. Rock critic Ken Tucker says that their focus on contented, monogamous life may seem bland to many listeners, but their soulful pop make their bourgeois values seem sexy.