With the continued popularity of bands like Nickelback, 3 Doors Down and now the surging success of Hinder (see review of Hinder’s debut album on MusicRant), Daughtry finds itself in a strong position to become a staple on the airwaves.

At first mention of the name, purists may simply dismiss the band due to the frontman’s extended stay on last season’s (2006) American Idol. I even found myself going into my first listen with the attitude of “Show me what you got” (keep an eye out for such similar lyrical/artist references in all MusicRant reviews. This was a blatant Limp Bizkit reference) Fact is – Chris Daughtry and supporting cast have crafted a solid, radio friendly pop rock record.

All songs on the self-titled debut are well constructed, produced and are begging to be played at an arena near you. Highlights include “It’s not Over”, “Used to”, “Home” (as seen on American Idol), and “Over You”. Heck, Slash even makes a guest appearance on the straight forward rocking “What I want”!

Legend has it that those who find fame and fortune lose their identity in the process. If that is the case, Chris Daughtry has nothing to worry about. At the end of the day, he has a billboard sized tattoo of his surname across his shoulders to remind him who he is!!

I have a voracious appetite for discovering new music. My personal preferences vary but I am definitely a sucker for anything that includes loud guitars, thunderous drums, passionate vocals (screaming is definitely welcome), and hooky choruses.

Stage Set – After casually watching MTV one morning before work, I heard a teaser for “House of Cards” by Madina Lake and was immediately sucked in and excited about what I heard not to mention the prospect of discovering a brand new diamond in the rough!! (The diamond being Madina Lake; the rough being solid rock music on MTV).

Madina Lake runs the gamut of the genre affectionately known as Emo (and to be more distinct Screamo) Although “From Them, Through Us, To You” does not necessarily offer ground breaking musical advancements, it does offer exquisite arrangements (haunting piano, layered under drum loops, thunderous drums, loud guitars you get the picture) and more importantly extremely listenable songs.

With a pinch of Lostprophets, a sprinkle of Finch, and a touch of Taking Back Sunday all rolled up in a tightly wrapped musical burrito, Madina Lake finds them a recipe for success. I look forward to see what they cook up for us on the next album.

Of particular interest to the masses “Here I Stand”, “In Another Life, “Adalia”, and “House of Cards”.

Entrenched in synths and midi drums, “Good Morning Revival” finds the Madden brothers continuing down the path of their previous effort “Chronicles of Life and Death”. Unfortunately, fans of “The Young And The Hopeless” will find themselves one step closer to skipping the renewal on the band’s fan club membership.

The album does offer up some nice punk pop moments such as “All Black”, “Keep Your Hands Off My Girl” and if you are feeling particularly emotional or pensive “March On” deserves a spot on your “I am going to make it through this depressing time in my life” playlist.

Right from the opening notes of the title track, you get the feeling you have heard this somewhere before. And you have, it’s just that this album has a different name, different packaging and a different national anthem than the bands from which it was cloned. If Sum 41 were in the Justice League, you could think of them as Bizarro Blink 182….who just happen to be first cousins of Green Day…..who once dated a girl who went to prom with the guitarist in Fall Out Boy.

Get the picture?

Fortunately, “Underclass Hero” takes all the likeable parts of the aforementioned bands to make one enjoyable, mature, punk/pop record.

Good thing too because if it wasn’t good, the Wonder Twins would not be pleased. And no one, I mean no one, wants to upset the Wonder Twins!!

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Few bands can truly rebound from the loss of a lead singer. There are exceptions to the rule: Van Hagar, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden. What do these bands all have in common?? They are old!!!! That was then, this is now my S.E. Hinton loving friends!!

Can anyone tell me what happened to the surviving members of Sublime? Last time I checked, Long Beach Dub Allstars weren’t winning any Grammy’s.

And the fellas from No Doubt? Check the cast members registry at Disneyland.

“Angels & Devils” is Fuel’s first effort since the departure of lead singer, Brett Scallions. A fan favorite and extremely powerful vocalist, Fuel sans Scallions seemed like a recipe for disaster – - – like a cornflake without the milk (another lyrical reference – this time from the early 80’s). To the contrary, the spotlight now shines brighter on the musical prowess of songwriter/guitarist Carl Bell and new frontman, Toryn Green. Green has obviously spent time on the karoake machine busting out Fuel tunes, but also adds an Edwin McCainesque soulfulness to the mix. The result is a rejuvenated sound reminiscent of the band’s first musical entree, “Sunburn”. This album is solid as a rock (Ashford and Simpson style) from the bottom right to the tippy top.

Highlights include: “Gone”, “Forever”, “Wasted Time”, “Leave the Memories Alone”.

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Collective Soul burst onto the airwaves in 1994 with their smash hit “Shine”. (I just made you scream “Yeah” in a muffled, husky tone didn’t I?) This was followed in 1995 with their self titled album including the popular selections “The World I Know” and more notably “December” (what adolescent boy wasn’t chanting “Turn your head now baby just spit me out”?).

In 1999, Collective Soul gave us “Dosage”. This album is by no means a musical departure for the Atlanta rockers; they have made a name for themselves by creating extremely consistent, well crafted songs with an extremely slick production touch. What “Dosage” does provide is a strikingly listenable playlist that will not only have you humming along, but might even teach you a thing or two about songwriting.

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