The debut solo album of the System of a Down singer, Serj Tankian also features opera singer, Ani Maldjian and drummer John Dolmayan who is a fellow bandmate. On Elect the Dead, Serj didn’t set his sights on creating an acoustic folk masterpiece or electro-pop album, but rather straightforward rock. Instead, the album is as propulsive and strange as any of the art-metal records of System’s. Many of the songs feature slow choruses punctuated by speed-punk splatter, maniacal rants and serrated guitars. This works well on the eerie song “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,” but not so well on “Saving Us” that features Tankian’s annoying chorus. Although some will praise the singer’s lyrics, the post-industrial society tirades may not be appreciated by System of A Down fans.

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The Fray turned out to be one of 2005’s best pop-rock bands. How To Save A Life is filled with catchy melodies and rhythms and powerful lyrics. The album starts off with the fast song “She Is” followed by the catchy hit “Over My Head (Cable Car).” Unlike most albums, the title track is one of the best on the album and the touching “Fall Away” features somber vocals that start off with a dreamlike guitar riff. “Heaven Forbid” is a heavenly song indeed and “Hundred” is a powerful piano song featuring Isaac’s memorable vocals. “Dead Wrong” contains great vocals and drumming and “Little House” starts off with a fast piano that quickly turns into what sounds like a rock opera. The Fray proves that it’s here to stay with this amazing album.

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Mark Knopfler’s fifth solo album since leaving Dire Straits, Kill to Get Crimson, brings you back to the 1960s and 70s British folk revival. Every song on this album is an original, and songs such as “The Fish and the Bird” and “The Scaffolder’s Wife” are reminiscent of English, Irish and Scottish folk tunes. The remarkable guitar riffs are highlighted by Knopfler’s seasoned and soothing voice. He uses his lyrics to paint a vivid picture and many of the tracks, particularly “Secondary Waltz” reflect his subtle humor. You certainly won’t find any of the epic pop-rock tunes made famous by Dire Straits. However, you will be rewarded with a revitalized version of traditional British folk-rock from this talented guitarist.

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The White Stripes have returned with their sixth studio album, Icky Thump – one of the most bombastic yet! Icky Thump reveals the American folk music roots of the bank, while combining a wide variety of blues styles, nouveau, garage rock and even flamenco. The title track features Jack’s falsetto lyrics, keyboard riffs and the pounding drums of Meg. The creative duo invokes Bob Dylan with some interspersed distorted guitar licks on the track “300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues.” One of the best tracks of the album, “Effect and Cause” features Jack’s trademark warble and acoustic strumming with Meg’s famous single-minded beats. The entire album contains giant guitar riffs, eerie bagpipes, rhythmic shifts, Jack’s amazing vocals and Flamenco horns. Once again, the White Stripes manage to make vintage ideas new again with the rock and roll masterpiece of Icky Thump.

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This album of original songs with the E Street Band begins with three minutes of droning treble guitar on “Radio Nowhere.” Throughout Magic, Springsteen retraces his steps and delivers many would-be hits, in fact more than on any other album other than Born in the USA. You can credit the powerful sound of “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” with produce Brendan O’Brien who sets the tone for Bruce’s incredible vocal performance. “I’ll Work for Your Love” reminds listeners of The River and it contains a great mix of glockenspiel, infinite guitars and piano. Clarence Clemons’ saxophone provides a great backup to Little Steven’s backing vocals on “Livin’ in the Future.” Springsteen includes a touching solo that acknowledges the death of one of his friends on “Terry’s Song”: “When they built you, brother/They broke the mold.” The album ends with a hidden track and for the entire 48 minutes of Magic, you’ll be transported to the magic world of the nearly 60-year old Springsteen.

Track List