New and Notable

Black Rob, “Life Story,” Bad Boy/Arista. The New York rapper traverses familiar, violence-laden street tales on his debut album, but his narrative abilities elevate his work. Dramatic, varied production amplifies his intense imagery.

Ice Cube, “War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc),” Priority. This return to his angst-filled roots has seemingly reinvigorated the Los Angeles rapper, who has been criticized over the last several years for abandoning his political platform in favor of dance songs.

Eels, “Daisies of the Galaxy,” DreamWorks. Some of these songs seem slight, but others capture marvelously the delicate condition of someone who’s been through personal trauma, with an understated pop-rock style that combines Beatles optimism and Tom Petty-like reassurance.

Patti Smith, “Gung Ho,” Arista. Setting 13 disparate parables in lush musical tapestries, the venerable poet-philosopher forms a larger lesson on personal and collective freedom. But it’s her voice that makes her words so hard to tune out.

Steely Dan, “Two Against Nature,” Giant/Reprise. Shakes off the malaise and mannerisms that crept into its 1980 predecessor, “Gaucho.” Becker and Fagen pack their poison pellets in a bait of gleaming, jazz-enriched, hook-filled, playful pop.

Warren Zevon, “Life’ll Kill Ya,” Artemis. The old Excitable Boy has fleshed out the swaggering cynicism of his youth with sympathy, humanity and even unflinching sentimentality. It all enriches his self-deprecating musings.