Brandy
Human
Epic

Human is easily the most platitudinal Brandy album, which is understandable, given what the singer has been through since Afrodisiac, but it is no less compelling for it. Renewing her alliance with Rodney Jerkins, Brandy is clearly in a comfort zone that enables her to open up more than ever, and with unforced sincerity.

Common
Universal Mind Control
Geffen

On Universal Mind Control, a lighter and less cerebral set relative to Common's discography from The Resurrection onward, the MC kicks back to have a good time (for the most part), no strings attached, with uneven results. Occasionally adopting a casual old-school flow, he spends most of his time boasting about his prowess, whether he's referring to being on the mike or in the bedroom.

Justice
A Cross the Universe [CD/DVD]
Atlantic

Riding on the success of Cross, Justice’s A Cross the Universe gives a sneak-peak at the Parisian duo's North American tour from March of 2008. The package includes a veuyeristic documentary filmed by directors So Me (”D.A.N.C.E.”, “DVNO”) and Romain Gavras (”Stress”) as well as an audio recording of a performance in San Francisco. With only one full length behind them and an upward battle to climb as laptop musicians in an arena-rock setting, they manage to make this set bombastic by giving their songs creative makeovers.

Pavement
Brighten the Corners [Nicene Creedence Edition]
Matador

Pavement's 1997 album Brighten the Corners is given the deluxe double-disc treatment this week in a reissue dubbed the "Nicene Creedence Edition". Like the expanded versions of Slanted & Enchanted, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain and Wowee Zowee before it, this is filled with rarities: all the B-sides from the album -- and some flipsides that appeared on Terror Twilight singles -- BBC sessions, alternate takes, outtakes and rarities this is certainly a treasure for collectors but more than that, all this bonus material opens up and loosens up the sometimes stuffy Brighten The Corners, turning it into a richer, better album.