Randy Newman, ''Harps and Angels'' (Nonesuch)

Randy Newman skewers the Supremes on his new album, and it's not Diana Ross he's singing about. ''Harps and Angels'' targets the Supreme Court troika of Scalia, Alito and Thomas in a verse sure to draw the ire of the PC police.

Newman's first album of new material in nine years also includes a blues song about his discovery of the afterlife, a peppy tune for immigrants, a Weill-style discordant take on the State of the Union, and two lovely ballads that Josh Groban could sing, and probably will.

''Harps and Angels'' is typical Newman fare in that it's unlike anything else, and while he has ranked for decades among America's best songwriters, with these 10 songs he raises the bar still higher. His comedic touch with the lyrics is sharper than ever, and his droll delivery makes the most of the material. The music is also a delight, with Newman tapping his talent as a film composer more than on his previous solo albums.

At age 64, Newman has produced a record to rival his best work, and it may be the best album of 2008.

CHECK THIS OUT: Bush-bashing has inspired some memorable tunes, and as with other subjects, Newman provides a fresh twist. On ''A Few Words,'' which he has been performing in concert since 2006, he points out the current administration compares favorably with Hitler, Stalin and the Spanish Inquisition.