Cascada has managed to deliver more electronic club pop with the 2006 release of Everytime We Touch. The album combines house, disco with commercial pop to produce highly danceable tracks. The blonde bombshell delivers sweet pop lyrics and refrains that tend to stick in your head. The title track was so successful it reached #10 on the US music charts and was certified double platinum. If you enjoy albums by Cher or Madonna, you will probably also enjoy Cascada’s style of dance music. Perhaps, most of the songs do sound a little alike with the same speed, the same beat and the same drum machine. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you enjoy hitting the dance floor and listening to energetic dance tracks.

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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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Michael Bublé is undoubtedly one of the most successful and popular contemporary crooners. The pop-vocal style of his latest album, Call me Irresponsible continues to prove this. The album features the charismatic singer’s smooth, suave style and snappy big band arrangements. Many of the songs pay tribute to Dino and Frank, although the feel of the album is definitely contemporary. Bublé begins with Frank Sinatra’s famous sing “The Best Is Yet to Come” and follows with a variety of daring new song choices, including the great Brazilian duet with Ivan Lins on “Wonderful Tonight”, “That’s Life” featuring a Gospel choir, versions of Leonard Cohen, Willie Nelson and Eric Clapton songs and the 70’s pop-style “Everything.” Bublé co-wrote the latter which was produced by Bob Rock. You won’t be disappointed with Bublé’s latest album.

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Scottish singer, KT Tunstall delivers soulful folk-like songs and fragile lyrics on her debut album, Eye to the Telescope. The singer proves her star power with songs such as “Suddenly I See,” “False Alarm” and “Another Place to Fall.” The strong tune “Miniature Disasters” blends Jazz, blues and folk and reveals Tunstall’s need for self-expression. Although the opening track “Other Side of the World” may remind you of Dido, the rest of the tracks are much closer to music greats such as Elvis Costello and Carol King. Tunstall reveals subtle charm on the beautiful songs of the album, making this a satisfying, but not extraordinary debut.

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The title of the Sugababes’ latest album, Change is very appropriate; the girl band is famous for rotating its members and frequently shifting their musical tack since they first formed 9 years ago. This is Amelle Berrabah’s studio album debut, after replacing Mutya Buena. She dominates with the powerful opening track “About You Now” that has become the sixth UK number one hit for producer Cathy Dennis. The girls strike gold again with the disco-friendly ‘Never Gonna Dance Again”, followed by other gems such as the sassy “My Love Is Pink” and the surprisingly catchy “3 Spoons Of Suga.” The album also includes some slower-paced tunes such as “Mended By You” and “Change.” Although all of the tracks reflect the classic appeal of the Sugababes, this album seems to lack the appeal of hits from previous albums such as “Overload” and “Freak Like Me.”

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Snow Patrol has created a great second album chock full of songs you wish became #1 hits. In fact, three tracks from Eyes Open are vying for the same success the band experienced with “Run” on their debut album. “You’re All I Have” isn’t a bad choice for a first single, although many of the other tracks outshine it. The forceful “Make This Go On Forever” and “Open Your Eyes” will sweep listeners up, balanced by quieter tracks such as “Finish Line” or “You Could Be Happy” with the twinkle of a music box in the background. “Chasing Cars” is one of the better tracks with Lightbody’s solo vocals, and the entire album contains tunes aimed straight fro the heart of their fans. The sound of the band has grown considerably larger and broader than Final Straw, as well as more compelling and catchier. This approach seems to work for them, and for now, Snow Patrol seems to be on the verge of something undeniably big.

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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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Avril Lavigne has become the teen pop/punk princess of the music world, and her third album, The Best Damn Thing is another hit. It reflects the same anger, sass and vulnerability we have come to know and love from this young singer. The album begins with the first release “Girlfriend” – a pop hit and one of the album’s best tracks. Lavigne also belts out a unique rendition of “Mickey” made famous by Tony Basil, followed by other anthems such as “I Don’t Have to Try” and “Contagious” that just make you want to sing and clap along. In addition to the traditional pop choruses, brash lyrics and hand-clapping, the album also features a few surprises such as the slow song “Innocence.” This powerful album clearly reveals that Avril doesn’t take herself too seriously, although she continues to climb her way up to the top of the music charts.

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Kate Nash, a British singer and talented instrumentalist, has made a very impressive debut with Made of Bricks. Her collection of pop songs is dynamic and confident and highlights Nash’s sultry voice. Tracks such as “Dickhead” feature a powerful delivery that is reminiscent of Lily Allen. The playful piano tune “Skeleton Song” and the swooning “Birds” will remind you of creative female artists such as Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple. However, the highlight of the entire album has to be “Bricks.” This catchy track infused with electronica was responsible for Nash’s sudden rise to fame in the UK, and it highlights her sense of melody and biting wit.

Track List