Tim McGraw and Kellie Pickler Branch Out

Kellie Pickler's 100 Proof and Tim McGraw's long-in-limbo Emotional Traffic have something in common.

Both were released this week, and both find the country singers exploring new stylistic territory.

While Kellie Pickler has long gone the pop route, 100 Proof sports a neo-traditional country sound that may disarm some listeners.

Tim McGraw's Emotional Traffic, in contrast, is all over the place. It embraces rock and soul, and even features a duet with Ne-Yo.

While I enjoyed both albums' ambitions, only one earned my ultimate seal of approval.

• Album Review: Tim McGraw - Emotional Traffic
• Album Review: Kellie Pickler - 100 Proof