Keith Roberts

Regardless of what the critics might think, for fans of the Rolling Stones early, more blues-influenced days, this albums brings home the goods. From the first notes played by Keith's Stereocaster on "Take It So Hard" to the Raggae-inspired grooves of "Too Rude" to the straight-up Rock 'N' Roll of "Whip It Up," this CD showcases Richards' versatility and strength. His rough and edgy voice pull the listener into the smoke-filled clubs and juke joints that inspired Keith to pick up his guitar in the first place. This Glimmer Twin certainly knows how to sparkle on his own.

Maybe it's just the times but Toby Keith has had drinking on his mind, calling his 2011 album Clancy's Tavern, which rode up the charts on the back of the boozy hit "Red Solo Cup" and now, for its sequel, Keith serves up Hope on the Rocks, an album where he finds his way to "Cold Beer Country" and complains that he hasn't had a drink all day. He also admits that "I Like Girls Who Drink Beer," the confession coming as no great surprise and, truth be told, there are no great surprises throughout Hope on the Rocks. Keith has whittled the album down to his basics, finding space for only three love songs – the heartbroken "Haven't Seen the Last of You," "Missed You Just Right," which has airs of an arena-country crossover, and the bittersweet "You Ain't Alone," all arriving in the back half of the album, helping to accentuate the album's party-ready atmosphere.