New Albums

Neil Young, “Are You Passionate?,” Reprise. This soul music excursion proves no mere diversion for Young. It’s an inspired set in its own right.

Also:

764-Hero, “Nobody Knows This Is Everywhere,” Tiger Style.

Azure Ray, “Burn and Shiver,” Warm

The Baldwin Brothers, “Cooking With Lasers,” TVT

Brute, “Co-Balt,” Widespread

Cornershop, “Handcream for a Generation,” Beggars Group

Steve Earle, “Sidetracks,” E-Squared/Artemis

Face to Face, “How to Ruin Everything,” Vagrant

Eliza Gilkyson, “Lost and Found,” Red House

Goo Goo Dolls, “Gutterflower,” Warner Bros.

Imperial Teen, “On,” Merge

Chris LeDoux, “After the Storm,” Capitol

Bonnie Raitt, “Silver Lining,” Capitol

Rusted Root, “Welcome to My Party,” Island