By by Kimberly Pollock
1. Fall Out Boy-From Under The Cork Tree:Fall Out Boy’s sophomore EP is much more rhythmic and mature than their debut album, Take This to Your Grave. It features thirteen flawless tracks about vengeance, broken hearts, regret, growing up, and taking chances. The album’s two singles have taken the music world by storm, making fans of the band out of teenyboppers and 40-year-olds alike.
2. Jack’s Mannequin-Everything In Transit:The debut album by [Something Corporate frontman] Andrew McMahon’s side project made a huge splash when it was released in August (pushed back from its original release date in July). As a whole, the album delivers a message of living life to the fullest with no regrets, a message that certainly strikes a chord with McMahon’s fans, as most are familiar with his battle with leukemia over the past few months. It is a triumphant record that McMahon deserves to be incredibly proud of.
3. Anberlin-Never Take Friendship Personal:There’s only one word to describe this album: amazing. Anberlin’s second CD is exhilarating and emotional; it has the power to move the listener in ways they didn’t think they could be moved. Take intelligent songwriting and mix with a strong instrumental foundation, and you’ve got this album.
4. Panic! At the Disco-A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out:Dance-punk is the new pink this year, and Panic! At the Disco is definitely surfing the wave of this new trend. A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out is chock-full of toe-tapping numbers with catchy lyrics and even catchier instrumentals. It’s impossible to listen to this album and not be in a giddy, ‘I just want to dance!’ mood.
5. Coldplay-X&Y:What more could you say about this album besides that it’s a masterpiece? The band itself is genius – not just the lyrics and vocals, not just the beats and instruments, but the way it all comes together, constantly delivering breathtaking music. With three albums now under their belt, Coldplay is still going strong, selling out concert venue after concert venue, and it’s no wonder-their dynamic sound isn’t like anything else around today.