Playlist: Weezer, Muse, Rise Against & more

Muse - Absolution

I know it's been out for several years now, about six or seven to be exact, but I just now got around to listening to this album.  This might be my favorite Muse album, out of those that I've heard.  Some of the songs are just genius.  They really flow into each other, in a good way.  Butterflies & Hurricanes is by far my favorite song on the album.  The piano solo is epic.  Actually, the entire album is epic.

Rise Against - Appeal To Reason

This is another album that I just bought even though it has been out for over a year.  I previously had Siren Song Of The Counter Culture, and Appeal To Reason is completely different.  It's more alternative than punk.  "Siren Song" was much heavier.  I'm not sure which one I like more...

Weezer - (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To

I've actually been listening to the entire Raditude album, but this song is my favorite.  It's pop at it's finest.  I know Weezer has been considered more alt-rock in the past, but this song is pretty poppy.  You can't stop yourself from singing along, or at least I can't.

Here are a few more songs that have been in my head...

The Sounds - No One Sleeps When I'm Awake
Lady GaGa - Monster
La Roux - Tigerlily
Norah Jones - Man Of The Hour
You Me At Six - Gossip
Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down

What songs have you been loving lately?  Leave a comment with your current favorite songs or albums.

Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment

Adam Lambert shocked the US with his debut live television performance.  He performed the title song from his album, "For Your Entertainment".  Many people thought the performance was too suggestive and not suitable for television.  All of this negative attention took away from the fact that he was actually promoting his lead single.  The song is very catchy and has great potential to be a mainstream radio hit.  The song was co-written by writer/producer Dr. Luke.  He's been known for working with the industry's top pop stars.  That's exactly what this song could make Adam Lambert, a pop star.  The songs chorus is comparable to those of many other popular dance and pop singers.  Combine this with the in-and-out pulsing beat, and you have your hit.  I would check out this song if you listen to artists such as Lady GaGa, Cascada, and the many other current dance/electro-pop artists.  Caution, this song is extremely different from his American Idol performances.  Don't expect a heartfelt ballad in "For Your Entertainment".

Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates

Norah Jones broke into the music industry with her 2001 single "Don't Know Why".  The single was an instant hit and even gave her several Grammy Awards.  She became known as a talented pianist and jazz vocalist.  In October of 2009, Jones released "Chasing Pirates", the lead single to her fourth album "The Fall".  This single was a major milestone in her career.  It marked her transition from piano based jazz, to a more indie rock direction.  While the song still has that signature calm and smooth "Norah Jones" feel to it, "Chasing Pirates" sounds more adventurous.  It contains a certain sense of excitement.  One new element for her music is the steady use of a drum beat.  While some previous tracks contained jazz brush drumming, the beat stands out on this track.  This new upbeat style is refreshing and renews her voice.  On "Chasing Pirates", Norah Jones proves that she can continue to create new music of unique styles.

Lady GaGa - The Fame Monster

Many people have named her the best female artist of '09.  She caught everyones attention last year.  Her debut album, The Fame, spawned four top ten hits in the US.  When word of a sophomore album came up, you had to think to yourself, "How can she top The Fame?".  That's where The Fame Monster comes in.  Released in November of '09, The Fame Monster has followed the footprints of The Fame.

The album has a distinct sound to it.  Something between dance-pop and heavy industrial music.  Almost every song is centered on a pulsing beat.  On top of the beats are a variety of synths.  This formula makes the album perfect as a high-energy club soundtrack.  Upon first listen, I found that there wasn't a single song that was "filler".  Each track kept my attention and even more, each song had an extremely catchy melody.  Songs like "Bad Romance" and "Dance In The Dark" have very dark verses, but at the same time contain uplifting choruses.  But the lyrics aren't the uplifting part, it's the melodies.  That is the one thing that is true about all of Lady GaGa's songs, amazing melodies.

The album contains eight songs total.  In today's music industry, The Fame Monster may seem like more of an EP, but it doesn't sound like one.  The album feels very... complete.  I've heard the album several times and there are a few songs that stand out the most.  The lead single, "Bad Romance", is of course one of the strongest songs of the collection.  Another song, "Monster", has the potential to be a huge hit.  It might be my favorite, if not for "Speechless".  "Speechless" is the real deal.  GaGa drops the club beats and synthesizers for a piano.  The song has a very Queen or Elton John feel to it.

The Fame was about, well, fame.  Fame and fortune, that is.  The Fame Monster has darker elements to it.  Lady GaGa has said that it's about her "fears" or "monsters".  It brings together gothic elements and pop elements at the same time.  If you need a a solid pop album that you can also dance to, this is it.  I have a feeling Lady GaGa will continue making hits for years to come.

January's Albums

Here's a look at some of this month's major album releases, along with a couple thoughts of my own.  Leave a comment if I missed your favorite band's album.  Also, tell me which album you're waiting for.

Jan. 05

Ke$ha - Animal

You know her song Tik Tok by now.  This album will determine if she's here to stay, or a one hit wonder of the last decade.  For some strange reason she reminds me of Katy Perry, appearing out of nowhere and all.  Personally, I'll pass, but it does include a song featuring 3OH!3 for those who are interested.

Jan. 12

OK Go - Of The Blue Color Of The Sky

I haven't heard from them since their single Here It Goes Again.  Everyone remembers the music video, right?

Vampire Weekend - Contra

This is the follow-up to their self-titled debut.  The entire album is on their Myspace for listening, but I'll wait a week to hear it.  Build up a little suspense, if you know what I mean.  I already like Horchata and Cousins, so I hope for the best.

Jan. 19

Spoon - Transference

Need some indie rock?  Transference is Spoon's seventh studio album and follow-up to Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.

Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

The pop-punk band's fourth album.  It was produced by Blink-182's Mark Hoppus.

Jan. 26

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
This is the Country group's second album.  I'm not a big fan of the genre, so I don't have much info on this album.  However, I do know that it's highly anticipated.  Just being honest here.  I really need to listen to more country music.

Never Shout Never - What Is Love?
The internet sensation's debut album is here.  Never Shout Never (formerly NeverShoutNever!) is a one man band who plays primarily the ukulele.  He recently won an mtvU Woodie Award.