Lyfe Change

(Columbia, 2008)

Don't let the title fool you – Lyfe Jennings didn't get glossy or pretentious on his third set; he just became more focused. Fans probably won't miss the chatty interludes, but they will notice that collaborations with the Underdogs, T.I. and Snoop Dogg enhance the tracks rather than inhibit them. Decidedly more up-tempo and optimistic, Change has many gems, starting with the sunlit "Keep on Dreaming," the autobiographical "Warriors" and "Brand New," which cleverly uses the Stylistics' "You Make Me Feel Brand New." Grittier songs include the harrowing safe-sex ode, "It's Real," and the funky poor-folks' lament, "Old School," which recalls the Gamble & Huff Philly era of soul in its frustrated take on hard times: "And I swear to God, if they keep on raising the gas price, I'm a sell this Chevy and go buy me a bike." Full of heart and wisdom, the third time is the charm and a change in the right direction for Mr. Jennings.

Lorrie Irby

Jackson

Hideaway

(Nettwerk, 2008)

You gotta love Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, better known as folk-pop duo the Weepies. On the pair's third full-length album, which follows 2006's delightful surprise Say I Am You, the melodies and harmonies are as sweet and sunny as ever. But what's important is that these two don't make sugary music. While there's nothing that truly fits their stage name, Ms. Talan and Mr. Tannen temper the pop hooks and vocal layering with bits of melancholy, say, on "Little Bird" and "How You Survived the War." Then you have the refreshing jubilance of "All This Beauty" and "Can't Turn Back Now." A side note: Deb and Steve married last year and had a baby boy, Theo, in October. Creativity thrives in the family.

Mario Tarradell

Stereo Spirit

(Real World, 2007)

Paris-based Daby Touré hails from the African nation of Mauritania and draws on influences from around the globe. On his second CD, he sings in five languages – including English – and colors his music with Spanish guitar and the occasional jangling guitar: "Setal" sounds like early R.E.M., while "Yakaare" boasts a vintage Motown beat. He's toured with Peter Gabriel, which makes sense: His high, yearning voice calls to mind Mr. Gabriel's collaborator Youssou N'Dour.

Thor Christensen

Santogold

(Downtown, 2008)

Late last year, initial buzz about Brooklyn pop-genre-bender Santi White was that she was a copycat of rapper M.I.A. The first single from this debut, the bottom-feeding and bloopy vocal-dub workout "Creator," is to blame; that's likely why this CD, which was initially titled Creator, has an eponymous tag instead. Thank the heavens for the switch, because although Santogold approaches the emphatic vision of M.I.A.'s Kala, it's much catchier. Fans of new wave, ska, punk and Euro pop will swoon as Ms. White goes from the Aimee Mann-Gwen Stefani opener "L.E.S. Artistes" and the Police-Gossip meld "You'll Find a Way" to the Cars-Raveonettes track "Lights Out" and the Pretenders-Rilo Kiley turn "I'm a Lady." Santogold is solid gold.

Mike Daniel