2009 album from the singer, songwriter, actress and wife to Pop/Rock troubadour Ryan Adams. Amanda Leigh was produced by Mike Viola, leader of The Candy Butchers and co-songwriter for music from That Thing You Do and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. The album's direction is inspired by Moore and Viola's mutual love for Paul McCartney's Ram album and the songwriting of artists like Todd Rundgren, Joni Mitchell, CSNY and Nilsson. Mandy has sold over 8 million albums worldwide. Her critically acclaimed performances in movies such as Saved, American Dreamz and the more recent, Dedication, have made her one of Hollywood's most desirable actresses.

Singer, Mandy Moore will release her new, highly anticipated album, Wild Hope, on June 19. Recorded at Allaire Studios in Woodstock, NY, Wild Hope epitomizes a labor of love and showcases Moore's foray into songwriting. In collaboration with a slew of critically acclaimed singer-songwriters such as Rachael Yamagata, The Weepies, Lori McKenna, among others, the result of this two year endeavor is an organic, folk album with pop sensibilities boasting beautifully constructed melodies, compelling vocals and sophisticated lyrical content.

In a pop world where history is rarely acknowledged beyond whatever American Idol dishes out, Mandy Moore has discovered a stash of old records. The 19-year-old singer-actress who first appeared with 1999’s "So Real" has now decided to stretch her artistry with a dozen ’70s and ’80s touchstones. The results are mixed, but in the end Coverage is a success. Never over singing just because she can, but in proudly good voice, she brings worthy new shades to XTC’s "Senses Working Overtime," Todd Rundgren’s "Can We Still Be Friends" and Blondie’s "One Way or Another," while acknowledging the breakthroughs of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon . Whether she’ll continue to follow this path is unknown, but this CD is an achievement Moore can be proud of. --Heather Court

These days there are more pop tarts on the charts than on the grocery shelves, and it's awfully hard to tell the kewpie pies apart. Granted Mandy Moore isn't exactly heading into Björk territory, but at least the 16-year-old is attempting to stake her own space. Jon Secada and Emilio Estefan Jr. supply Moore with percussive cuts like the single "In My Pocket" which is laced with a sinewy Middle Eastern sound. Moore also offers up jangly, breathy cuts like the heartfelt "17" which suit her cotton-candy vocals nicely. This isn't great art, but it is enjoyable, disposable pop, and that ain't shabby. --Amy Linden

Candy [Audio CD]