Keane

The British trio’s second album, after 2004’s Hopes and Fears, is a thing of sadness and beauty. “Is It Any Wonder?” is the first single, combining jangly dance pop with biting lyrics (like most of the songs on offer here) yet staying smooth and cool. But the best of the bunch has to be “Crystal Ball,” a two-part number, with Pink Floyd-like instrumentalism followed by dream pop and deeply felt lyrical demands: “Tell me life is beautiful!” Another notable, “Put it Behind You,” is an upbeat breakup song—very Paul McCartney—with the encouraging reminder that “time will help you out.” If you want to relax and chill out after a hard day’s night, this is the album for you.