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One of the world's pre-eminent record producers, Canada's Daniel Lanois stepped out from behind the controls in 1989 to release his own album. An auspicious debut, Acadie signalled the arrival of a promising new performer with a flair for moody, country-tinged rock. For the Beauty of Wynona, his follow-up album, reveals other facets of his artistry. Inspired by Winona, Ont., the town near Hamilton where Lanois grew up, the recording is full of songs that conjure up stark, sometimes haunting images. The title track, with its childhood memories of fishing and girls skipping double-dutch, and “Sleeping in the Devil's Bed,” a lazy honky-tonk number, have a shimmering, dreamlike quality. And ther...

Craftily released on iTunes (to the chagrin of many unsuspecting recipients), U2’s 13th album is also its most personal, detailing the band’s teenage experiences in Dublin. “Cedarwood Road,” where Bono grew up, is about friendship, while “Iris (Hold Me Close)” deals with his mother’s death. “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) is the upbeat highlight, about the joys of discovering the Ramones.