Randy Newman

Herewith, two rock & roll singers distinguished by their almost total disregard for the music
and marketing strategies of their contemporaries. One is as established as such a performer
can be and, it seems, is settling into an acceptance of the refusal of the great audience to
accept him; the other is new on the scene and, just possibly, a star for these times. God
knows what other times he might be a star for. Little Criminals offers all the mino... More >

Always the master craftsman, Newman doesn't waste a second here, doesn't permit an inept lyrical insight or musical fillip. But over the past three years he doesn't seem to have written one song that ranks with his best. Among all these explorations of America's dirty white underbelly, only the out-and-out jokes--the gross intolerance of "Short People" and the Eagles music on "Rider in the Rain"--distinguish themselves. Very disappointing. (Grade: B+)