We the Kings – Smile Kid

Florida rockers We the Kings invaded the hearts of teenagers everywhere in 2007 with their S/T release and they’re back at it again with Smile Kid.  Sticking with the same fast-paced, upbeat formula that let them make waves on the Billboard Charts; We the Kings songs about teenage romance and the excitement of growing up will get you tapping your feet non-stop.

Their first single off the release “Heaven Can Wait” will put your right where “Skyway Avenue” and “Check Yes Juliet” left off.  The ooohhhs and aaaaahhhs that fill the harmonies are catchy and the light pianos are a little touch of gold.

Other outstanding tracks “She Takes Me High”, “The Story of Your Life”, and “Spin” are ones I’ve had on repeat since I put the album in.  As always, We the Kings doesn’t leave out the light ballads…”We’ll Be a Dream” features Demi Lovato and “Rain Falls Down” is another slow jam.

While this album doesn’t really do anything different from the first, that might not be a bad thing for We the Kings fans.  You know what you’re getting from the get go.  If you’re a We the King faithful, you’ll be all about the simplicity!

Owl City – Ocean Eyes

It’s hard to turn on the radio without hearing the voice of Adam Young, the mastermind behind the catchy-synthpop of Owl Eyes.  ”Fireflies” has been taking over the radio for weeks now and with shows sold out all over the country, Young is having tons of success.

Signed to Universal Records, Ocean Eyes is Young’s second studio album.  Maybe I’m Dreaming is his first which has a similar sound to his most recent.

Boasting a sound similar to the Postal Service, Owl City is packed with simple synths that compliment Young’s eccentric lyrics.  The album is a phenomenal example of what one guy can do to create a popular sound.

Other than the hit single, “Fireflies”, the album includes other downtempo and fast-paced songs giving the album a bit of variety.  ”Hello Seattle”, “On the Wing”, and “Tip of an Iceberg” are my personal faves due to their flow and harmonies.  At the same time, Relient K lead-singed Matthew Thiesen appears on other tracks adding variety as well.

If you like the single, this album is for you.  You’ll be humming and singing along in minutes.  With his nationwide tour just getting underway, get your tickets early to catch a piece of Owl City.

Taking Back Sunday – New Again

Known for their catchy hooks yet rough exterior, Taking Back Sunday is one of those acts that never disappoints.  With some band member changes over the course of the last year, many were curious to see how their newest release New Again would drop.

Every album’s mainstay is it’s single.  ”Sink Into Me” is an absolute repetition inducing chorus line of awesome.  Vocalist Adam Lazzara hooks you, seduces you, and never lets up in the least.  These are the songs I love most from TBS.  A mix of emotion and energy set off with a touch of unbridled screaming.

The rest of the album, while not their best, still brings the heat and seduction.  Other great repetitious numbers include “Lonely, Lonely”, “Summer Man”, and “Catholic Knees”.  More than anything, the album as a whole really builds and climbs so well.  The grabbing guitar riffs and juicy basslines will get you twisting and spinning with desire.

To close of the album, don’t rush through “Everything Must Go”…one of those slow ballads that ends in pure noise-packed energy!

All Time Low – Nothing Personal

Ever since the Put Up or Shut Up EP and The Party Scene, Maryland power-pop rockers All Time Low have been creating catchy-punchy music.  Their recent release Nothing Personal picks up right where So Wrong, It’s Right. Just in time for summer, this one is gonna stay in your car or mp3 player until you know all the lyrics by heart…then, you’re gonna play it and sing along until you put one of their older albums back in.

With stories of growing older and dealing with the every-popular girl stories, Nothing Personal is a mix of fast-paced fun and repitive lyrics that never seem to get old.  The album kicks off with “Weightless” and never looks back.  With choruses like “maybe it’s not my weekend, but it’s gonna be my year” the band creates tunes that resonate.

The other single “Damned if I Do, Damned if I Don’t” is just as catchy.  At the same time, other tracks fill out the disc perfectly.  ”Break Your Little Heart”, “Lost in Stereo”, “Hello Brooklyn”, and “Keep the Change You Filthy Animal” are more of the same, yet you won’t want to stop.

This is one of those reviews that writes itself.  All Time Low is blessed with one simple formula: simple poppy music that you won’t be able to stop playing!

Ace Enders & A Million Different People – When I Hit the Ground

Early November frontman Arthur “Ace” Enders has always been impressive.  From his work with the Early Novermber to his first side-project I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Enders has that ability to pick up the tempo when he has to and then slow it back down when the time is necessary.

When I Hit the Ground, produced under the name Ace Enders & A Million Different People, guides the listener through a variety of upbeat hits and has them begging for more with Enders’ melodic ballads.  The guitars are catchy.  The lyrics build you up and take you on a journey.

For fans of Mae, The Morning Of, Death Cab for Cutie, or Relient K, Enders plays with the best of ‘em.  Tracks like “Reaction”, “Take the Money and Run”, and “Leader” let Enders’ vocal range shine.  If you decide to pick up this album, get ready to tap your toes and sing along…it’s inevitable.

The sound Enders developed with The Early November and his first side-project are still present…more refined than ever.