Radiohead was dismissed by many as one-hit wonders after the energetic Pablo Honey. However, with the release of their second album The Bends two years later, reviews were very favorable. The album started off slow with many of the singles hovering around the 20th mark on the music charts. Despite the slow start, the album garnered rave reviews near the end of 1995 as it began to climb the UK and US music charts. In fact, The Bends ended up winning numerous awards in early 1996 and was hailed as one of the year’s best albums. The band began to record the album after touring non-stop for 2 years with their previous album. This resulted in a very different atmosphere with hit singles like “Street Spirit [Fade Out]” that reached 5th on the UK charts – the highest achievement of any Radiohead track at that point. The Bends eventually peaked at number 4 on the charts, proving that the band was not only back, but definitely improved.

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Interpol’s third studio album Our Love to Admire features a classic sound combined with something unmistakably new. Fans will appreciate the humor of the upbeat track “No 1 In Threesome” while “Pace is the Trick” reminds fans why the band remains mater of the dramatic. The evolution of Interpol is evident on tracks like “Rest My Chemistry,” “Who Do You Think” and “Mammoth.” The emotional journey of the album ends fittingly with “The Lighthouse” an unexpected and memorable funeral dirge that is almost free of percussion and features Paul’s sparten lyrics and Daniel’s guitar. This New York quartet remains true to its post-punk gloomy influences led by emotional frontman, Paul Banks. Our Love to Admire proves that the band is not only back with a new label and new direction, but also renewed confidence.

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Chamillionaire’s album Ultimate Victory seems destined to earn the singer the title of most outspoken rapper. “Hip-Hop Police” features a stomping beat and an appearance by Slick Rick and it’s a pointed attack on how the media portrays rappers. “The Evening News” also focuses on heavy subject matter. Krayzie Bone appears on “The Bill Collecta” and Lil’ Ken makes an appearance on the catchy track “You Must Be Crazy.” Chamillionaire actually succeeds in turning a corny song “Industry Groupie” into a great track, whereas “Welcome To The South” features Pimp C, gritty organs and sharp drum rolls. The singer showcases his amazing rhyme style along with the hardcore guitars and fantastic beat of “Rock Star.” Ultimate Victory features hip-hop at its finest.

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Nevermind catapulted Nirvana into the musical spotlight with the sound of pounding drums, grinding guitars and the distinctive voice of Kurt Cobain. The album managed to successfully combine 70s rock with alternative punk. The tune “Smells Like Teen Spirit” that speaks to alienated teenagers everywhere became an early 90s anthem. Cobain’s surprising sense of humor appears in songs such as “In Bloom” and “Lithium,” whereas “Come As You Are” is definitely twisted and dark with a deep opening basss and melodic vocal arrangement. The guitars on “Breed” and “Stay Away” are incredible, and Kurt’s background vocals are perfect on “On A Plain.” Nevermind remains one of Nirvana’s most popular and affectionately remembered bodies of work.

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Many diehard Korn fans are disappointed with the band’s latest album. Although it is definitely different from their previous work, it’s remains uniquely Korn and is better in some ways. The band has taken the opportunity to experiment much more and evolve, and most of the tracks are less heavy than previous tunes. The structure and sound of these songs are more complex with more depth and a dark overall mood. Korn tries out some new musical devices and angles, but there are no weak songs on the entire album. Just don’t expect any songs to be as catchy as “Make Me Bad” or “Right Now.” Songs such as “Evolution” are more thoughtful, and you may need to listen to them a few times in order to fully appreciate them. However, this new direction definitely works for Korn; you should definitely give it a try – you just may like it.

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Jennifer Lopez has managed to produce one of the best albums of her entire career with Brave – her sixth studio album following her Spanish album Como Ama Una Myer. She effectively mixes elements of hip hop, dance, r&b and pop into a catchy album filled with commercial pop tunes. Producers such as Avant, Bloodshy and J. RRotum add sophistication to the Latino star’s latest effort. She even includes a special remix of “Do It Well” with rapper Ludacris that sizzles. Some of the highlights of this uplifting, highly danceable album include “Hold It Don’t Drop It,” the slow song “Wrong When You’re Gone” and “Stay Together.” If you enjoy the lead single “Do It Well,” you will love the rest of this album.

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In Rainbows has managed to generate more heat before its release than almost any other rock album. Radiohead made the controversial decision to offer the album as an MP3 download where fans can choose their favorite songs from the band’s own website. The band has also delayed production for this album which normally is a bad thing, but actually works for these 16-year veterans of the music industry. Despite the fact that Jonny Greenwood was distracted by his work on Super Het Receiver when the band started working on their seventh album or Thom Yorke’s departure to pursue a solo album, In Rainbows contains many hidden pots of gold. The opening tracks “15 Step” and “Bodysnatchers” start off rather slow, until you hit the third track “Nude” – a classic soul ballad. The songs just get better and better from this point on with the direct love song “All I Need” and catchy singalong anthem “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.” In Rainbows is much closer to their third album than their last one and could be called a return to form for Radiohead fans.

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Alter Bridge’s latest album, Blackbird, prove that the band is definitely no one-hit wonder. With a more brash, aggressive and raw feel than One Day Remains, the band performs well together. The album begins with the aggressive metal track “Ties That Bind” that features the heavy guitar riffs of Mark Tremonti and his brilliant soaring solo on “Come to Life.” One of the best tunes of the album has to be “Before Tomorrow Comes,” and it showcases why Alter Bridge has become one of the most exciting current metal/hard rock bands. The eighth track which is also the title track, “Blackbird” is more than just a soaring anthem; it’s a true hard rock masterpiece. The album also includes the beautiful ballad “Watch Over You” with its heartfelt lyrics and soft guitar. Blackbird is a great second album and is sure to please any Alter Bridge fans.

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With his debut album Undiscovered, singer-songwriter powerhouse James Morrison is destined for great success. With influences from greats such as Van Morrison, Otis Redding and Cat Stevens, Morrison adopts a more soulful route than many other contemporary artists. By drawing on many elements of his troubled youth, Morrison has managed to produce a musically and emotionally charged album. His bluesy voice, songwriting talent and multi-instrumental sound remind us of other stars such as James Blunt, Damien Rice and Corinne Bailey Rae, his former tour mate. Fans will love the passionate love song “Under the Influence” and the emotional “Wonderful World.” Other outstanding tracks include “You Give Me Something” and “Better Man” – a solo acoustic tune that showcases Morrison’s incredible voice. Although some people may remain skeptical that a white man from north England can sing soul, one listen to this album will prove them wrong.

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Amy Winehouse has gained a reputation for being one of the most honest and original singers and songwriters in recent years with her debut album Frank. This classic album contains 13 great tracks that feature Winehouse’s husky vocals, soft trumpets, brutally honest lyrics, sparse guitar and laidback beats. Uplifting jazz numbers are mixed with downbeat tracks. Described as a mix of Nina Simone and Erykah Badu, this brave singer from North London has proven that soulful jazz can be arrogant and playful, especially on tracks such as “Amy, Amy, Amy.” She sings of infidelity without a trace of guilt on “Fuck Me Pumps” as she adds “You wouldn’t want me to be lonely.” She displays a very unique and rare sense of humour and a refreshing in your-face attitude that makes for a very compelling debut. The title of her first album is very apt; this singer is frank and we love her for it.

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