Craig Carson

Originally scheduled for a 2007 release, Annie’s follow-up to 2004’s Annimal finally hits shelves and desktops in late 2009. The period in between saw the nearly inevitable leak of an album that resembles, but is ultimately inferior to, the finished product. After all the delays, the wait was worth it: Don’t Stop exudes polish, depth, and the sense that Annie is moving confidently forward as a pop artist of the first order.

Although Farm sacrifices some immediacy and fire for expansive emotionalism and nuance, the album is a solid addition to the Dinosaur Jr. catalog and one whose highlights may prove even better with time.