Raw emotion comes easily to PJ Harvey [ tickets ]. On "Uh Huh Her," the artist's seventh album, the British critic's darling has once again produced a collection of challenging tunes so striking they simultaneously repulse and attract.

Like watching a car wreck in progress, everything here is wacked out and surreal, but somehow undeniably visceral and confirming. "Who the F***?" features a battering ram of a rhythm highlighted by Harvey's distorted wailing. "Shame" is the other side of Harvey, recalling her more accessible material from 2001's "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea." It's melodic and poetic, while keeping up with the singer's unique indie sound.

This collection also features minor-chord epics that showcase Harvey's unmistakable vocals. "Cat on the Wall" and album opener "The Life and Death of Mr. Badmouth" lumber along, all drunk and lusty. "You lips taste of poison," she sings in "Badmouth," recognizing the danger of an abusive lover, ready to cut her losses. "Wash it out," she finally orders.

Harvey played nearly all the instruments on this effort, and the rewards are there for the taking. These songs have a way of growing on you. But if Harvey's other albums haven't already made their way into your psyche, "Uh Huh Her" may be unlikely to succeed. If, on the other hand, your tastes lean toward the more primitive side of sound, this could be your soundtrack.