Billboard CD reviews: Joe Henry, Third Eye Blind

ARTIST: JOE HENRY

ALBUM: BLOOD FROM STARS

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Two years after the release of his acclaimed album "Civilians," noted producer/songsmith Joe Henry returns with "Blood From Stars," his 11th and most ambitious album to date. Henry shines as both artist and producer, deftly blurring the lines between aural architect and impassioned orator. With sly support from longtime bandmates (including bassist David Piltch, drummer Jay Bellerose and guest cameos by Henry's son, Levon, on clarinet and saxophones), "Blood From Stars" spans the stylistic divide. From the church pew cadence on Jason Moran's plaintive piano work during "Prelude: Light No Lamp When the Sun Comes Down" to the electrified grit and lyrical grace on "Channel," the new album is a testament to Henry's singular sonic vision and a masterful mix of history and mystery by an industry veteran who sounds like he's just getting started.

ARTIST: BRENDAN BENSON

ALBUM: MY OLD, FAMILIAR FRIEND (ATO RECORDS)

The Nashville-based singer/ songwriter Brendan Benson steps up his game on "My Old, Familiar Friend," his fourth solo release and first since a two-album stint fronting the Raconteurs with Jack White. Benson spent the early part of the decade building a repertoire of scruffy but sophisticated pop songs, but he fulfills his potential on this sparkling new set. With producer Gil Norton he made gems including the yearning, Motown-esque "Garbage Day," where the artist sings, "If she throws her heart away/I'll be there on garbage day"; the tense, haunting "Lesson Learned"; and the exuberant rocker "Borrow." Benson is a natural at writing insanely catchy hooks and tempering the bombastic pop treatment with just enough sonic grit to give it a delicious edginess. In less capable hands, the track "Gonowhere" could be syrupy or overwrought, but the lilting harmonies and keyboard flourishes are a delight.

ARTIST: JESSIE JAMES

ALBUM: BLOOD FROM STARS (MERCURY RECORDS)

Judging by some of the song titles ("Guilty," "My Cowboy," "Wanted") on her self-titled debut, one could say that 20-year-old Georgia newcomer Jessie James lives up to her name as the female version of the American outlaw. The standout track "Bullet" slams with double-entendres, as she teases, "Be careful what you wish for/You get what you see/Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" The spotlight shines brightest on the ballad "Burnin' Bridges," with verses sung with a phrasing that brings to mind Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel." James carries a sweet melody on the midtempo song "Inevitable," while "Blue Jeans" offers a countrified, rhythmic pulse. With a voice that seems to work with many genres, James' set is reminiscent of hits from late-'90s pop acts, but with a more mature, sexually charged attitude and influence from country and hip-hop.

ARTIST: LEDISI

ALBUM: TURN ME LOOSE (VERVE RECORDS)

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ledisi's new album, "Turn Me Loose," on which she collaborates with new producers and even sports a Mohawk (on the cover), serves as her official coming-out party. On her second Verve release, the Bay Area artist goes from wondering if her partner will still be there "In the Morning" and convincing herself that everything will be "Alright" -- both were also singles from 2007's "Lost and Found" -- to boasting more confidence and sass. On the bluesy title track, Ledisi warns, "I'm gonna get my things and walk out the door," while the horns on the drum-laden song "Everything Changes" find the artist preaching about letting go and living life to the fullest. On the flirty midtempo track "Please Stay," Ledisi promises to give her love a special treat if he stays the night. But she isn't one to sugarcoat things. "Alone" touches on a relationship that's coming to an end, while "I Need Love" questions if the narrator will ever find real love again. Still, like a true woman, Ledisi keeps growing as she takes the good with the bad.

ARTIST: DAVID GUETTA

ALBUM: ONE LOVE (ASTRALWERKS)

A manifesto for the synthesis of dance and hip-hop, French DJ David Guetta's new album "One Love" turns out top 40-friendly songs while remaining true to dance club culture. With its impressive list of collaborators -- including Will.i.am, Estelle, Akon, Ne-Yo, Kid Cudi and Kelly Rowland -- "One Love" effortlessly integrates catchy dance beats with expressive vocals. Guetta infuses each artist's personal style with complementary and enthusiastic club beats, whether it's the soulful sound of Rowland on "It's the Way You Love Me" or the playful rumble of Will.i.am on "I Wanna Go Crazy." The new set finds Guetta appealing to a wider audience with "One Love," which sets it apart from his past, club-heavy European releases. A good example of the album's potential crossover appeal is the keyboard-driven first single, "When Love Takes Over," which also features Rowland.

ARTIST: THIRD EYE BLIND