Pop Albums

Deftones, “White Pony,” Maverick. The quintet could be the band to revive rock’s moribund metal flank. They can get as loud as the next head-bangers, but they also leaven their power-chord mushroom clouds with vocal harmony and tender melody.

(Marc Weingarten)

Various artists, “Music From and Inspired by ‘Shaft,’ ” LaFace/Arista. This strong collection, which includes Isaac Hayes, R. Kelly and several rap acts, mirrors the mix of cool, suave vibes and powerful, forceful attitude of John Shaft himself.

(Soren Baker)

New and Notable

Grandaddy, “The Sophtware Slump,” V2. Singer-songwriter Jason Lytle targets human vanity and limitations, all placed in a fuzzy, almost dreamlike musical framework. “The Sophtware Slump” radiates with the observation and ambition of a striking new voice. (Robert Hilburn)

Eminem, “The Marshall Mathers LP,” Aftermath/Interscope. The rapper puts on disc all the forbidden thoughts and scandalous scenarios that accompany adolescence and just watches the fallout. The creative advance is in the way he weaves more autobiographical elements into the lyrics.