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.

Track List

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.

Track List