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Release Date: May 15, 2009
Number of Tracks: 18 (not including bonuses)
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 18
Rating: 5 out of 5

21st Century Breakdown is Green Day's first album release since American Idiot was released in 2004. The album is formatted similar to American Idiot taking on a "rock opera" form. This time we are following fictitious couple, Christian and Gloria through three acts: Heroes & Cons, Charlatans & Saints, and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. Their first released single, "Know Your Enemy" (from the Heroes & Cons act), was an instant fan favorite, but if you were one of those few who did not like it, no need to worry it only gets better!

The second track on the album, "21st Century Breakdown" is one of the best songs I have ever heard from Green Day. To list all of the great songs, I would have to give you the track list, but other stand outs are, "Before the Lobotomy" and "21 Guns". This is one of those albums that you can listen to ONCE, and then go to their concert, and sing along with the band! You may not agree with some of their views (political or religious), but the songs are so catchy that it is possible to sing along without realizing what you are actually saying. Give the album a listen below!

Overall: This album will have your fast-forward button feeling abandoned!!! It is a CLASSIC!!!

"The Wind Blows" is the second single release from The All American Rejects' third studio album When The World Comes Down. The track carries sentiments similar to "Move Along", but it has a different kind of groove. It picks up just as a relationship is at its end. The wind blowing is a metaphor describing how whirlwind-like the relationship was. The girl leaves his life the same way she entered it: abruptly. Its not necessarily a bad thing, but more an exploration of the fact that people come and people go. Tyson Ritter's voice gives the song a whimsical feel edged in sorrow. You go from feeling at ease (it is odd how you are literally reminded of a summer breeze) to feeling a little sad, and as the song plays you realize that despite being a little unhappy, you are still okay. It's at that point that you've truly begun to understand "The Wind Blows", and with that understanding comes an odd sense of exhilaration. This song is perfect for summer nights, or really any night. Click here for a listen.

Overall: Make room in your playlist!

A track laced with string instruments and Issac Slade's voice is a winning recipe for a hit. "Never Say Never" is The Fray's second release from their self-titled album, and it has all the right stuff. There is only one problem: it's already been done too many times before. Is this one of those cases where you shouldn't mess with a good thing? I would say yes, but when it comes to mellow songs, its good to mix it up at least a little. The track is beautifully written and Slade showers it with emotion, but still I cant help but think about how familiar it sounds, and how I've heard better. "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head" may have set the bar too high, and it would be unfair to expect them to match it, but I'm going to need something closer to that level. "You found me" was a perfect first single, but as a second, "Never Say Never" doesn't convince all those undecided buyers to go the store. Click here to listen.

Release Date: April 21, 2009
Rating: 4 out of 5
Number of Tracks: 13
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 8

It only seems right to start off the review with a warning. In case you missed it, Depeche Mode has changed; it’s whether or not it is for the better or for the worst that’s debatable. Old Depeche Mode fans consider the all of the albums between Formation and Violator to be the band’s best work. New Depeche Mode fans have based their love on Ultra, Exciter, and Playing the Angel. This album is a mixture of the both; the first half finds DM in classic “old fan” mode, and the remainder of the album is given to the new fans.

The opening song, “In Chains” is nearly a 7 minute reminder of why you love them and flaunts everything that is wonderful about New Age music. What’s so great about “Wrong”? It’s simple! Everything!!! The lyrics are well written, the beat is nothing sort of genius, and it supplies an intensity that is evenly matched by Gahan’s vocals. “Hole to Feed” is one of three songs written by Gahan and Eigner, unfortunately its positioning between “In Chains” and “Wrong” (the two best songs of the album) does it no favors, you forget it almost immediately. The two other band-written songs are “Come Back”, Gahan’s vocals on this song are oddly touching, and “Miles Away”, on which everything but the chorus get drowned out by an awesome beat. There are some letdowns, one that stands out is “Jezebel”, within the first minute of the song, boredom consumes you.

So overall, it starts out strong and then fizzles toward the end. But, that could just be the signs of an ODM (Old Depeche Mode fan) talking. Sounds of the Universe will definitely make you look forward to what the band will cook up next, and shows promise that the band will return to their pre-Violator days.

Below are links to a few songs:

"In Chains"
"Wrong"
"Come Back"
"Miles Away"

I remember the first time I heard this song. I had just woken up around 2pm Saturday from what must have been a great Friday night, and my TV was on VH1. The host began to give some spill about a rock band called the Plain White T’s and their new song. I was just about to turn it, when I heard Tom Higgenson’s voice whispering through the speakers. By the time he said New York City, I was sold. “Hey There Delilah” written by Higgenson is pop at its best. As soon as the song comes on you find yourself relaxed, whatever part of you is remaining after the acoustic guitar intro, Higgenson mops up with his gentle vocals. You desperately want things to work out for Delilah and her man, or you desperately want to be her. To be the object of such desire is every woman’s dream. “Simple, sweet, and lovey-dovey”, Plain White T’s should stick to this lane and watch their fan base multiply.