Something of a singer-songwriter's singer-songwriter, and a remarkably versatile musician, A.J. Croce has appeared on stage with artists as stellar as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Santana, Dave Matthews, Ben Harper, Rod Stewart, B.B. King, Lenny Kravitz, Bruce Hornsby, and his childhood hero Ray Charles. Cantos is his sixth album, and follows a career in which his first five all hit the American radio charts in a different genre, from blues, to jazz to Americana and Adult Alternative. This is songwriting that you wish Paul McCartney or Elvis Costello was still able to produce, and puts Croce up there with artists like Michael Penn and Ray Davies, with a great, clear voice (think Ben Folds, or McCartney in his younger days), and an easy instrumental style. Cantos immediately puts artists like Brendan Benson back in the 'average to good' box, and reveals the one-dimensionality of others, like James Morrison. Ultimately, Cantos never strays from a pretty safe place in the middle of the road, but is healthily unapologetic for that.

ACE rating 8/10

Post War is the fifth album from singer-songwriter and (vastly underrated) guitarist Matt Ward, and the first to feature a full backing band. Recorded and produced in its entirety in an attic in Oregon, the album features guest appearances from Neko Case, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket. Ward has been quietly turning into an indie folk genius, a la Iron & Wine, and Post War is his best album to date. Each song feels like a porch song that builds intensity and energy quickly, with an excitement and an irresistible magnetic draw backing his hushed, mahogany voice. The subject matter covers life, love and tales of human goodness - it's an uplifting album. Ward has always been a critics' favourite, but Post War is perhaps the first album that has genuine mass appeal for anyone whose tastes lie slightly left of centre.

ACE rating 8/10

OPM (from 'opium' - geddit?) had a minor hit in the UK with Heaven is a Halfpipe; California Poppy is their third album. Purportedly. It seems an awful lot like their first two - a strange blend of reggae, ska and rock all wrapped up in a streetwise skater image, and then sung in a Will Young soft whisper voice, with no edge to speak of. While 'laid back' is clearly what the band are aiming for, the subject matter is generic 'we're hard, we are', which fits neatly with the generic (and strikingly boring) lite hiphop reggae. Heavily influenced by bands like Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, California Poppy is a more polished production than the first two albums, relying heavily on grooves and feel. But, the overall feel is more of a German or French band having a go at some hiphop (although the lyrics would probably improve in that case), than anything cooler.

ACE rating 5/10