1.   All too often, though, the songs sound like personal little tunes composed on acoustic guitar in the bedroom, padded out in the studio.

2.   Another click and hear how the song sounds as it might be performed by an automatic teller machine.

3.   But on the rest of the uptempo songs sound overproduced with the crashing drums and thunderous orchestral touches.

4.   Lyle Lovett can make any song sound like a small tragedy.

5.   The songs sound long-suffering but gutsy, declaimed over stately rhythms that only hint at the tension between the combatants.

6.   The song sounds fragile but steadfast, convinced that desire is its own kind of renewed innocence.

7.   What does a smash song sound like right now?

8.   While the lyrics are haunted by mortality, the songs sound square-jawed and sturdy, dug in against adversity.

9.   The precious thing about Lee Dorsey is how his sly humor made sad songs sound sort of happy and priceless.