Randy Newman's forthcoming Nonesuch release, Harps and Angels, earns four stars from both The Times (UK), which names it Album of the Week, and The Sun, which places the new record among Randy's "gems of albums."

"This is the real Newman," says The Sun, "dark, cynical, and very funny. Harps is only his third new album of non-movie music in 20 years—but it’s been worth the wait."

The paper calls the music "a winning mix" of styles, with comparisons to Fats Domino and inspiration in the blues of Randy's childhood home, New Orleans, and a sound that's all his.

"But as ever," the review concludes, "it’s the lyrics that demand your attention, particularly on his subtle swipes at modern America in 'A Few Words in Defense of Our Country' and 'A Piece of the Pie.'"

To read the full review, visit thesun.co.uk.

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The Guardian calls Randy "a true master of popular song" and has this to say about three songs in particular off the new album:

The Dixieland strut of "Potholes" is a beautifully pitched tribute to
what used to be known as the fairer sex ("fairer 'bout what?" Newman
asks, tartly), "Losing You" is precisely the sort of gorgeously blue
ballad you wish Tom Waits would sing, and his new version of "Feels Like
Home" is incredibly moving ...

That review is at guardian.co.uk.