P.O.D.'s "Forever" Worth Getting Lost In

From the spiritually aware band which gave us the gripping "Youth of the Nation" comes "Lost In Forever" which as usual finds the boys pondering the vast mysteries of the unknown. Sonny Sandoval is one powerful conduit here. His words sway across the reggae infused metal beat. P.O.D. wears its earthy mix of rock seasonings well. Good thing Marcos Curiel's period of friction wasn't a permanent thing. His guitar gives this song its muscle. Fans won't have to wait much longer for "Murdered Love" to hit retail outlets. Circle June 19th on your calendars if you're either a longtime devotee or want to get into P.O.D.'s spirit for a spell. There's good reason to be psyched. They've remained true to their roots and the result is sure to set off a bare bones celebratory atmosphere for all who venture close.

Schizophrenic Sounds Weigh Down Krutch

Canadian Christian rock act Thousand Foot Krutch tries too hard to squeeze too many styles into "The End Is Where We Begin". Sometimes, as is the case with "Be Somebody" it works out nicely. Trevor McNevan's vocals garner attention with authority. Here he explores the importance of finding one's true self. The energy level between bandmates never falters. On other occasions Trev's guitar work feels monotonous. "I Get Wicked" and "Courtesy Call" use pretty much the same chords. The only difference is the former goes all party dangerous with a sassiness copping Sugar Ray whereas the latter is clumsy in its quest to sound at the most imposing and at the least borderline fun. TFK is more convincing operating out of a rock format. "We Are" delivers with sandpaper grit. It takes grit to believe in your own talents despite unfavorable odds. Message and metal are compatible.TFK would be better served either jettisoning their cracks at bad-ass rap or lowering the cheesiness quotient. TFK has its heart in the right place. I believe spending less of that energy attempting to please too many factions of music lovers would serve them well in the future.

These Sisters Have Found Their Voices Again

Prepare for some killer '90s R&B flashbacks. The ladies of SWV are back in town with a new CD, "I Missed Us", and there's ample indication that the versatility that made them such hot properties back in the day have shown no rust over time. First out of the singles box is "Co-Sign", a jaunty treat about the real man whose love is worth co-signing for. Over a sparkling backdrop Cheryl "Coko" Clemens, Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons put their collective power to enchant and charm on display. As its fan base knows this trio can also belt heart-tugging ballads out of the park. Exhibit A here lies with "Use Me". The bridge is quite possibly one of the most winningly melodramatic R&B gems of the past 10 to 15 years. The melody washes over potential audiences like undeniable river surges. The pleas for love are oh-so strong. For a dance hall change-up turn to "Do Ya'". For a few minutes you'll think you're hurtling back in time to the disco era. This one will get your morning mojo on the right track. The return of SWV to the R&B stage is wonderful news indeed. This collection is smartly-produced and should turn heads in no time.

"The Power Within" An Awesome Collection No Metalhead Should Be Without

DragonForce certainly has its monniker spot on. Its members breathe fury like a dragon and come at you with mind-melting force. "The Power Within" is goose-pimple amazing particularly if you regularly find yourself in that "off I go to slay medieval beasts" frame of mind. If you've never taken a bite out of the power metal genre this batch of psychotic cool will leave you wanting fourth helpings. "Cry Thunder" has, hands down, the most wicked chorus of the lot. Place some buds by your side and grog (beer in modern times) in your belly and you can fell any demon. Sam Totman scorches his axe with incredible results on "Die By The Sword". You'll find yourself wondering "How'd he do that?" repeatedly. This, like many other tracks, has this fight to the death swagger that's a trademark for metal music. Don't expect much sunshine unless you count "Wings of Liberty" which comes closest to providing flashes of hope. Fantasy elements only enhance the delicious bombast. DragonForce is a force to be reckoned with. Mike Hudson's voice is a potent instrument that metal fans would be wise to imbibe copiously. "The Power Within" delivers an impressive power trip that'll leave you breathless for days.

Mraz's Newest Effort "Letter" Perfect

Jason Mraz embodies earthy, grounded family values. He's the sort you wouldn't mind having a glass of lemonade with. The new "Love is a Four Letter Word" contains several songs equally refreshing. It's a joy to fall backwards through Jason's universe of wonder as portrayed in "The World As I See It". "I Won't Give Up" is as reassuring as a pre-bedtime lullaby only in this case Jason's vowing to stick with a relationship despite the annoyances. You'll be won over by the breeziness of "In The Moment". It's a nice slab of advice for anyone either lamenting the past or dreading the future. Entering the world of his craft means you, the listener, must trade in your business suit and power lunch for a pair of Birkenstocks and a spontaneous spirit. This set's a great primer for his blue-eyed soul creations. Nice to know there's at least one pop star capable of seeing the glass as half full. One surmises he might even see it three-quarters full. Either way his return is welcome.

M. Ward's Wasteland Is No Waste of Time

If bread is supposedly the staff of life then M. Ward's guitar serves as the musical equivalent. Up swirl so many deep emotions, many tinged with naughty pleasures on "A Wasteland Companion. "I Get Ideas" is downright tribal. Try to listen without getting the urge to strip down to your BVDs. The pauses inserted during the latter half of the track only add to its aural sex appeal. "Sweetheart" also sounds like it would fit right in as part of a country music club's tribute to honky tonk. The song allows M. to flash back to a girl with a winning smile who drove him crazy down Lovers Lane. It'll likely be the cornerstone moment that sparks new boy-girl connections or trips old memories for seasoned wooers. The most gentle caress of all, so far as M.'s guitar goes can be found on "There's a Key". The man's losing one marble at a time but there's a key on the piano he plays for a much valued other. The acoustic guitar billows up to ease the aches of the most fractured soul. On the dangerous side we have "Watch The Show" a ditty you'd think, at least in terms of its late night atmospherics would have Conan, Dave, or both in mind. Peer into the world of the late night talk show who's seen and tolerated and more canned humor than he'd care to remember. Neither your time nor your money will appear wasted checking out "A Wasteland Companion". It wins by a landslide.

Feel Free to Give Tim Bowman Jr. Some Love

Mr. Bowman's got a nice little buzz built up on the heels of his debut album "Beautiful". "Free" is a liberating joy to behold. Bowman's joy and appreciation for his Lord and Savior is palpable. His spirit soars magnificently. A no-brainer add for adult contemporary radio outlets open-minded enough to allow tinges of the spiritual onto their playlists. Accessible spirituality delivered earnestly and winningly.

In The House of Heroes, Guiding Light Reigns Supreme

Fog-piercing harmonies prevail on this cut from "Cold Hard Want". House of Heroes, a four-man Christian rock outfit proves it can jam just as bone-crunchingly as mainstream rock does. Lead vocalist Tim Skipper's on a quest to reach for the light and open-minded listeners would be wise to give him that opportunity. Drummer Colin Rigsby knows his way around the skins. Confidently executed all around.

Wanted: Dance Music That Isn't Cookie Cutter Bland

"Chasing The Sun" is a familiar-sounding club energizer from this five-piece British-Irish boy band. There's nothing especially new here but the non-stop party crowd will likely lick its chops anyway. It comes from the "Battleground" CD. Awash in the invincibility complex of youth. The song lacks innovative flourishes.

Rush Dives Headlong Into Another Smash Hit

What a shredder. Alex Lifeson is downright demonic. I totally dig the bridge. Rush is no stranger to epic rock sagas its latest blast of rock fury, "Headlong Flight", holds its own nicely amidst its stellar catalog. Geddy Lee's voice is stunningly aggressive. Neil Peart's drum kit remains magical. If this track is any indication, the forthcoming "Clockwork Angels" will only cement this band's status as legendary rock storytellers. Thanks again, Canada!

Bassnectar Serves Up His Unique Crosspollination of Sounds

Electronica can, at times, seem cold and distant. Lorin Ashton, who goes by the stage name Bassnectar is doing his best to dispel that rumor. His latest, "Va Va Voom", does a commendable job blending homestyle touches into his futuristic landscape. "Ping Pong" shows how funked up you can make a teensy white ball sound. With "Butterfly" images of butterflies swirling on a front porch on a sultry Friday night are easily understandable. "Laughter Crescendo" comforts listeners with the easygoing echo of human bliss. The common thread between the title track and "What" is noise trickery summoning up time spent at the local video arcade. What makes these add-ins delectable is the agility with which chord changes get made. "Va Va Voom" brims with keyboarding joie de vivre. Bassnectar is quite adept at knowing what to paint when using the galaxy of sound as his canvas.

Of Monsters and Men Explores Its Animal Instincts

Straight from Iceland, home to that other cultural queen of quirk Bjork, comes a fivesome equally at home creating both simple jaunty tunes ("Love Love Love") as they are more expansive slices that evoke vistas of their homeland ("From Finner"), a fact proven on "My Head is an Animal". There's a certain well-worn comfort to this band. "Little Talks" sounds like it belongs at a ceremonial lodge brothers meeting in Reykjavik. Wave upon wave of gorgeous trumpets filling up the air. "Yellow Light" us undoubtedly the most gentle reassuring cut here. Both lead female vocalist Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdotir and lead male vocalist Rangar Porhallsson come across as warm as a pre-bedtime lullaby. Their sound isn't merely a dish. It's a soup of eccentric sounds that grow more and more palatable with each listen. Be sure to have yourself a taste. You'll leave the listening arena feeling like you just had a unique Icelandic vacation.

Train's "California 37" Worth Traveling The Extra Mile For

At this juncture in its career, Train is firing on all cylinders. Not only is there no let up since "Save Me San Francisco" streeted in late 2009 their high-octane act has become even more energized. I personally can't see how any mammal could possibly dislike "Drive By", the lead-off single from the San Franciscans sixth album, "California 37" There's no way for me to wipe the smile off my face, particularly when I stop to reflect on how much fun Patrick Monahan must have had recording it. Rack up as much mileage as you can. Each spot on the trip is refreshing. Like cultural name-dropping which conjures up snapshot memories of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire"? "This'll Be My Year" will have you tripping back through key historic points from 1985 up to this year. Admit it. You didn't think you'd hear a Pete Rose reference over a blistering rock stampede did you? Pat gives us glimpses of some key historical points from the post '89 BJ years too. Elton playing at Princess Di's funeral service in '97 and, unavoidably, the Twin Towers catastrophe of 2001. "50 Ways To Say Goodbye" is perfect for those nights where you and either your buds or significant others wish to simulate unwinding in a Mexican cantina, complete with B-movie Latino cinema horns. Frantic pacing that reverberates through Scott Underwood's drum kit as he tries to keep with Pat unloading about he'd like not to be thought of as SuperMinivan anymore. You can hear the wheels of catharsis unspooling. "Bruises' should be welcomed without prejudice by the country rock crowd. Pat and Ashley Monroe swap stories about the winding roads their lives have encompassed. In their eyes and hearts bruises make the dinner conversations juicier. Fun times will be had by all who give "Mermaid" a listen. We find ourselves back in the cultural soup again. This time the photo-worthy Johnny Depp gets his share of time in Train's orbit. The sound waves here seem like they're soundtrack worthy. Mr. Depp would approve of having his professional rep forever linked to this thumpin' adventure yarn. The guitar leaps out at you. Pat's intensity level gets higher and higher as this song progresses. "California 37" is the right route to take if a winning rock experience is the destination you're trying to reach.

Everybody Wins On "I Win"

Praise for The Almighty One overflows on Marvin Sapp's latest offering. As Linus Van Pelt of Peanuts fame might have said "Nothing but sincerity as far as the ears can hear". It helps that his backing choir is in fine form throughout. "I Belong To You" derives its power from tight drumming workmanship and an inviting organ. The sense of uplift is never higher than on "Glory". The choir and Sapp's commanding presence lend themselves to easily accessible good vibes. For something with more of a streetwise groove-oriented bent try on "Teach My Hand To War". Praise is the weapon and Sapp and friends wield it masterfully here. Whether you like your spiritual potions slow but steady or peppy and upbeat Sapp's the man. Chalk up another big win for God and his well-established messenger of love.

The Shins Rock From the Gut

James Mercer is one deep dude. The Shins latest collection "Port of Morrow" is swathed in infinite mystery. If it's a question of identity, relationships, you name it, there's mystery afoot. You'd never know that from the firepower uncorked on "Simple Song". Radio has wisely taken to this boisterous rocker like a pig to slop. However the song could more easily be filed under exception than rule. Note the haunting storytelling of "40 Mark Strasse" with the spotlight on droning moms and the conundrum which is our simply complex world. So much fractured living is conjured up (e.g., broken kites, unwritten life chapters). Despite this cuts like "September" demonstrates how this band is skilled enough to know how to let rays of sun peek through the darkness. As you'd expect from a Shins record the musicianship comes easily and the overall sound is richly textured. This is one port of call worth the visit.

The Used Sound Off From a "Vulnerable" Place

Oh to be inside the twisted mind of The Used's lead singer Bert McCracken. All that pent up fury wadded up and then foisted upon the record-buying public in a sonic ball of jugular vein rock. "Vulnerable provides both the uninitiated and stalwarts alike a macabre tour into the Orem, Utah four-piece's warped psyche. "I Come Alive" shows off the band's penchant for creating an overall sound that wouldn't sound out of place piped in through the speakers of a carnival fun house. Not that Bert's incapable of using his nervous energy to generate uplifting results. "Shine" features some nifty, exuberant guitar strumming from Quinn Allman. Bert explodes with eagerness here as he shouts to the world about how this is his time, his chance to leave a lasting mark on the planet. "Burning Bright" is more deliberate in pace but no less compelling. It speaks to the old story about how there's strength in numbers. Alone Bert and his she thang don't amount to much but together their life force is unquestioned. It's drummer Dan Whitesides' turn to cut loose during "Machine". His insane asylum patient sorcery is a perfect fit for Bert's impish demons. Make sure you've got someone dear close by as you listen to this unrelenting package. Bert is nothing if not driven. Mad genius does that to a boy. "Vulnerable" showcases The Used's talent for rolling around on the streets of Crazyville. This is a breathtaking case study.

This Rumor Is True: Adele Has Yet Another Top 40 Hit On Her Hands

Adele, the multi-platinum reigning Queen of Pop, uncorks yet another beauty from "21". Swirling with an almost tribal soul rhythm, "Rumor Has It" lets the guy who's leaving her for another know she's watching him, and, moreover, that's she's too good for him. When the beat slows down towards the end and some clever piano tinkling is ushered in it's clear Adele has yet another slice of brilliance to offer. Gets you right down to the tips of your toes. Adele's managed to fashion a pretty sweet career for herself stripping herself naked emotionally and then sharing scars with the rest of us. The formula hasn't let her down to this point, so why alter success?

Nashville Folk Foursome Poised to Reach Full Flower With Its Newest Single

The Vespers are four folksy friends from Nashville who've gifted the world with "Flower Flower", an adorable charmer dappled with rays of hope. How can this peppy little song not lighten your heart just a little bit? These guys are certainly positioning themselves to be in line for bigger and better things. Phoebe and Callie Cryar's voices mesh together beautifully. Taylor Jones sprinkles in some hefty drumming. It's not an understatement that without his firm technique this particular flower wouldn't have such massive growth potential. Of course you couldn't have a top-flight folk song if you didn't at least try to imagine a banjo being strummed. This one pretty much carries you over to the flower's pot where you stick close in the name of giving it moral support. It's time for those who might not have as much exposure to The Vespers universe to prepare to be both delighted and amazed. Happy songs are no piece of cake to write convincingly but The Vespers have really pulled it off. From their new CD "The Fourth Wall".

One Direction Headed Straight To Multiplatinum

Riding the latest wave of teen dream pop is One Direction. In a way this Brit/Irish fivesome is sashaying through the same door Justin Bieber kicked in when he arrived on the scene. From the sound of "Up All Night" this one door will remain open for a good while yet. "What Makes You Beautiful" has already spread its global magic. The title track revels in the giddy exuberance of dancing with chums into the wee hours of the night. "I Want" wags a finger at shallow girls who emphasize material possessions over intimate relationships. Affecting splashes of energy bleed through the entire set. Yes folks, these Brit blokes can actually sing. Consider One Direction a tasty antidote for Biebermania, good news for any and all who've grown tired of the Canadian hunk by now.

Less Than Idle American Idol Keeps His Eyes Open

There's always been something about Adam Lambert that shoots from the deepest core of his soul. When he's performing it's hard to say he's ever phoning it in. Much has been made about his being openly gay. I say who gives a crap. If being gay explains having a more pronounced access to one's sensitive side then more power to them. For example I didn't always know Neil Patrick Harris was gay but, once I found out, I didn't feel any less respect for him. I was a bit surprised but still, the man is an immensely talented actor. Same could be said for Jim Parsons, the force of nature responsible for The Bang Big Theory occupying such a prominent place in our country's immediate cultural history. But back to Adam. His brand new single "Never Close Our Eyes" is a celebration to youthful living in the moment. There's time for sleeping...like when we're feeding trees. Right now it's amount cramming as much life into life as possible. Adam's pipes are strong as can be. The song should soon be a stable in clubs everywhere. Dance means vitality. Adam's first single from the upcoming "Trespassing" album is a vitality magnet. All you need is a potent cocktail, some arm candy, and voila. You've just ignited the flame for a night to remember.

Eve 6 Reveals Its Not-So Secret Victoria

Any of you out there still smitten with the late '90s rock scene? I'm thinking of bands like Tonic, The Verve Pipe, Semisonic, and Third Eye Blind among others. Undoubtedly Eve 6 was a part of some of y'alls mix tapes. If you nodded your head yes to that last brazen assumption you'll have even more reason to resume your crush when your hear the first single from "Speak In Code", which is slated to street on April 24th. I'm giving brownie points to any songwriter cheeky enough to rhyme attitude (as in she doesn't like his) with latitude (he doesn't appreciate her partying down while he's all alone, tequila bottle at the ready). There's some keyboard heaviness to be observed here. The drums are rippling with fire. The band looks to be off to a good opening start on Fearless Records. Singer Max Collins has a great deal of pride attached to the new CD. If all the songs are in emotional attack mode like this one, he's got good reason for optimism.

THESE "KIDS" ARE MORE THAN ALRIGHT

Three years and change following the release of "When The World Comes Down" The All-American Rejects are back with what is, to these ears, the most impressive blossoming of their sound yet. This foursome's cohesion and willingness to experiment outside the pop music bubble has yielded inspired results. Tyson Ritter's star turn as rock 'n' roll rogue on "Beekeeper's Daughter" gives you a clear idea that this album shouldn't be filed squarely under "music for the masses". It's the coming out party for keyboards with the title track. It wouldn't have sounded out of place in the '80s or, believe it or not, as a cut lifted off of a Coldplay CD. This is one title track that embraces its role as jewel in the album's crown. "Affection" is flat out purdy. Not only that the female-worshipping theme is in full throttle. Lyrics such as "what you don't do makes a man come" bear witness to that. Nick Wheeler's fretwork is as sharp as the hell mentioned in one of the Rejects previous hits. The jaunty "Fast and Slow" explores a cerebral dude smart enough to know sexuality has a definite rhythm method. She races along. He slows down long enough to smell her rose. The Rejects' rise through superstardom has been heavenly to hear. "Kids In The Street" stands out as its best work to date.

Something in the MDNA

Watching the evolution of a musical performer, as is true with any relationship you have, can be a fascinating exercise. Madonna stands out as the queen of evolution. In the '80s Madonna mania quickly reached a fever pitch. Teen girls wanted to be her. Teen boys wanted to be with her. In the '90s Madonna learned quickly that the rollercoaster ride of shock tactics had to chill or else her career would wind up in free fall. Sex sold but only to those devoted followers willing to shell out the presumptuous price to enter her tawdry universe as condensed into coffee table book form. She's always been good at pushing people's buttons. Never has there been a controversy she hasn't been willing to ignite. As the '90s reached their close she traded in a passion for displaying sexuality outwardly to favoring explorations of faith inwardly. I personally enjoyed Madonna less once "Ray of Light" hit stores. She just seemed to be more fun when she wasn't trying to be so deep. Some of us ducks just prefer a good time gal. If I want deep I'll try reading War and Peace sometime. She was great at turning out danceable pop confections. By 1998 she had hopped aboard the techno music bandwagon that Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers helped give birth to. Her art was buoyed by sterile-sounding keyboard groove lines. Her embrace of techno continued with "Music". I'll admit the title track was an instant party starter. I'll also confess I showed less resistance to that project overall. In 2012 we're greeted with a new release, "MDNA". I salute her for remembering that, first and foremost, her bread and butter is dance music. Eschewing those roots would be an insult both to her and to her core following that's watched her career path since day one. For the most part she succeeds in reminding us that no matter how old she becomes she's still that naughty little minx with a gift for working dance floors into a lather. This record provides one heck of a wild trip through her medulla oblongata. Take a listen to "Gang Bang" and you'll hear how being connected to the world of movies has had a lasting effect on her art. This song screams "I'd like some popcorn please!!" "Masterpiece" also appeared on the soundtrack to her critically mixed movie W.E. More than any other female artist known to man, Madonna has this finger in every pot thing down to a science.