Top Contemporary Hard Rock Artists on Rhapsody Online

Nickelback

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:57:28 -0800

Since the mid-'90s, Alberta's Nickelback (singer/guitarist Chad Kroeger, bassist Mike Kroeger, guitarist Ryan Peake and Daniel Adair, replacing original drummer Brandon Kroeger) have evolved from sounding like a Pearl Jam tribute band to becoming icons of radio-friendly, post-grunge modern rock. Nickelback's popularity first gathered steam with the single "Leader of Men" off their second self-released album, 1998's The State. The song was in heavy rotation on Canadian radio, and soon American label Roadrunner signed them (and reissued The State). They then toured with Creed, and in 2001, Silver Side Up yielded subsequent hits, such as "Someday." In 2005, Nickelback returned with All the Right Reasons, featuring members of ZZ Top and Pantera, which pushed them into contemporary heavy-rock territory and made them one of the decade's biggest bands in alt-rock, thanks to hits like "Photograph" and "Savin' Me." For 2008's Dark Horse, they brought in producer Mutt Lange (Back in Black, Pyromania) to add extra punch to their arena-rock anthems and power ballads. - Eric Shea

Daughtry

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:54 -0800

A fourth-place finish in season five of American Idol didn't dissuade contestant Chris Daughtry from trying to send his rock yawp to the top of the charts. After getting booted from the show, Daughtry rejected an offer to lead alt rock band Fuel so he could form an eponymous outfit in his home state of North Carolina. They were quickly snatched up by the majors and immediately set to work on a record that enlisted the talents of vet producer Howard Benson and Nickleback songsmith Chad Kroeger. The band's first single, "Its Not Over," was released in the fall of 2006, followed by their eponymous full-length debut that same year. - Nate Cavalieri

3 Doors Down

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:24 -0800

Can you raise your lighter high in the stadium and still keep your indie cred? Probably not, but you can combine the catchy hard rock of the Scorpions with the grungy street metal of Nirvana and get 3 Doors Down. Their debut hit, "Kryptonite," was a surprise smash, selling quantities that would make Shania or Britney very happy -- 2000's The Better Life went quadruple platinum in its first year of release, paving the way for still more multimillion sellers. Not bad for a rocking band that escaped from Escatawpa, Miss. (population: 8,000). Their 2008 self-titled album found them expanding their vision of modern rock, mixing heartland harmonies with touches of funk and world music -- but still delivering their music with an urgency as searing as ever. - Nick Dedina

Rob Thomas

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 09:16:49 -0800

What do you do after you've sold a bazillion records with your band? Two words: solo career. Rob Thomas began his career fronting rock stalwarts, Matchbox Twenty. Thomas' soulful vocals and expert songwriting, along with a straightforward rock production put a punctuation mark at the end of the grunge era as they reached multiplatinum success with their debut record. But with his collaboration with Carlos Santana, Thomas showed he was more than just a faceless lead singer of a rock band of the moment. He wrote and sang the song "Smooth" off of Santana's huge Supernatural album. It was the biggest hit of Santana's career and garnered the duo three Grammy awards. Thomas returned to the Matchbox Twenty fold and produced two more middle-of-the-road rock records before he switched gears by releasing his solo debut, 2005's Something To Be. Featuring a brighter more open sound that Matchbox Twenty's efforts, the album included more keyboards and dance production values to highlight Thomas' energetic, neo-soul voice and sultry swagger. Mostly on the strength of the single "Lonely No More," the release debuted as the No. 1 record in the country and launched Thomas as an artist with great commercial and artistic potential. His second album, Cradlesong, appeared in the summer of 2009. - Jon Maples

Evanescence

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:52 -0800

If Shirley Manson and Garbage aren't hard enough for your taste, you'll probably dig Evanescence. Fronted by the serpentine Amy Lee (who's half Manson's age), Evanescence have been compared to both Linkin Park and Tori Amos. Their first hit, "Bring Me To Life, was included on the Daredevil soundtrack. - Eric Shea

Foo Fighters

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:24 -0800

Begun as a dusty collection of back catalog bedroom hits, the Foo Fighters' debut was tracked entirely by Nirvana's Dave Grohl with Seattle producer Barrett Jones. The live incarnation of the band, including Sunny Day Real Estate's Nate Mendel and William Goldsmith as well as Germs guitarist Pat Smear, were almost immediately swept into a maelstrom of rock 'n' roll celebrity on the strength of such sonic pop anthems as "Everlong" and "My Hero." "Big Me," a pristine Matthew Sweetish pop gem sealed it though, proving Grohl was no Post-Nirvana, coattails-riding Beavis. In the years since, Foo Fighters have kept steady heat on the hit parade, churning out infectious bits of distorted juvenelia. - Kelly Bauman

Matchbox Twenty

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:17 -0800

With a 1996 debut album that catapulted them directly onto the A-list of alternative-rock superstardom, Matchbox Twenty's occasionally muscular take on what Counting Crows started with "Mr. Jones" pretty much defined mainstream music in the late '90s. Three singles from that album -- "Long Day," "Push" and "3AM" -- remain archetypal examples of what is referred to as "adult alternative." Singer and focal point Rob Thomas' growly and impassioned vocals come straight outta the post-grunge school, bolstered by semi-heavy guitars at the chorus and lyrical cues that are impossible to forget (case in point: the "And I will, and I will" refrain in "Push," which is about as tenacious as a hook can possibly be). Second record Mad Season followed in 2000, and despite taking a less rocking approach, it furthered the band's near-dominance of the airwaves. Sales dropped slightly with More Than You Think You Are as everybody started copying Creed, and Matchbox Twenty's particular take on the alternative-rock ballad became somewhat obsolete and the band fell silent. In 2007, they reunited and released a hybrid of new and old material called Exile on Mainstream. - Mike McGuirk

Lifehouse

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:17:02 -0800

Lifehouse began in 1996 as Blyss, a teenage garage trio haunting their high school's Friday night jam sessions. Seattle transplant Jason Wade, his new L.A. neighbor Sergio Andrade, and latecomer drummer Rick Woolstenhulme honed their post-grunge sound for two years before garnering a deal with DreamWorks and changing their name to Lifehouse. Though the stringed "Breathe" won them that deal and resulted in debut LP No Name Face, "Hanging by a Moment" had more impact, hitting number one on Billboard's Modern Rock charts. The debut went double-platinum, and the obscure Southern California group was suddenly touring internationally with Pearl Jam, Everclear and Matchbox 20. They polished their sound and become more radio-friendly on their sophomore release, Stanley Climbfall, and in 2005 brought Canadian bassist Bryce Soderberg into the fold for their third (self-titled) LP. By album three, the band had solidified their trademark sound, bringing Wade's earnest grunge vocals and songwriting chops to the fore. - Amy Bartlett

Goo Goo Dolls

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:17 -0800

Often compared to the Replacements and Cheap Trick, the Goo Goo Dolls' tattered, anthemic beginnings were documented on Metal Blade Records -- home to such other "alt rockers" as D.R.I., GWAR, and Fates Warning. Perennial headbangers, their noisy forays embraced the excesses of Sonic Youth and Oh My Gawd!-era Flaming Lips as much as they harnessed the raw punk energy of the Replacements. The 'Mats references don't really start to make sense until the fourth and fifth albums, when their songwriting developed past three chords-and-some-noise songs to eventually include string sections and over-rehearsed dynamics (see Superstar Car Wash). Their sixth album, A Boy Named Goo, offered the megahit "Name," a song so sweetly infectious and clean it seemed to deny any previous knowledge of metal. Now comfortably marketed to the 'burbs rather than the seedy, beer-soaked parts of town they once ruled, a VH-1 Behind the Music special about the band would probably seem more like an episode of the X-Files than a documentary. The band followed-up their breakthrough album with 1998's Dizzy Up the Girl, scoring the Goo Goo Dolls another round of chart hits with "Slide" and "Iris," a monster power ballad written for the City of Angels soundtrack. A result of the band's over-the-top success was that frontman Johnny Rzeznik ended up spending a great deal of time in Los Angeles; eventually moving there. In 2002, they released the rather glossy Gutterflower marking the first hiccup for the band. Rzeznik, who was having trouble adjusting to living in Los Angeles and fame in general, found himself divorced, uninspired by his new surroundings and with relative commercial bomb on his hands. In July, 2004, the Goo Goo Dolls played a Fourth of July concert for their fans. The free concert was held in the band's hometown of Buffalo, New York, and captured the magic of the band perfectly -- even the unseasonable rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd that day. Fittingly, the Goos released Live in Buffalo shortly thereafter. The experience restored Rzeznik's spirits and once again, the singer found himself packing his belongings and moving across country. In the transition, the band's label released What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce, a somewhat wishy-washy compilation of remixes and early tracks. Once back in Buffalo, the beleagured singer's creative juices started flowing once again. He and bandmate Robbie Takac rekindled their songwriting partnership, which had fallen by the wayside after SuperstarCarWash was released. The result was 2006's return to form, Let Love In, an inspired effort produced by Glen Ballard. - Linda Ryan

Theory Of A Deadman

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:25 -0800

The Cinderella story of Theory of a Deadman has the soft-lit charm of a VH1 rockumentary: Lead singer Tyler Connolly slipped Nickelback hunk Chad Kroeger a demo while at an after-show party; he liked it, signed them and made them rock stars in his own likeness. The Canadian band has followed the footsteps of Nickelback very closely, with soaring choruses and albums that seethe with angsty sentimentality. The group issued their self-titled debut in 2002, Gasoline in 2005, and Scars & Souvenirs in 2008. - Nate Cavalieri

Creed

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:22 -0800

Floridian superstars Creed play punchy, Grunge-inflected rock. Big, open acoustic chords, rock-solid drums with sophisticated accents and singer Scott Stapps' powerful, earnest voice drive epic verses with introspective lyrics. Also watch for thunderous, sometimes beautifully melodic choruses.

Seether

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:17 -0800

Bearing plenty of sonic similarities to neo-radio metal big shots Nickelback (albeit with more crunch) and a knack for choruses almost as catchy as main influence Nirvana, Seether formed in South Africa in 1999. Wind-Up Records signed them within a year of their storming the charts in their homeland; released their debut, Disclaimer, in 2002; and sent them out on a series of lengthy tours. A remix of that album, Disclaimer II, turned up in 2004, and Karma and Effect followed in 2005. In 2007, the quintet released Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces. They play metal-pop with some tasty guitars and ties to the heydays of grunge that seem to grow stronger with each release. Even singer Shaun Morgan's lyrics reflect the introspection of those times, using his struggles with substances and his former relationship with Evanescence singer Amy Lee as subject matter for some of their better songs (see their first single, "Fine Again"). - Mike McGuirk

Godsmack

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:19 -0800

Boston lumpen-rockers of note have made a career out of flogging the last bit of life out of Alice In Chains' workhorse grunge formula: fierce guitar riffage, over-the-top crooning and heavy bass lines that sink through the rock sludge like Liquid Plumber. By taking heavy metal chops and precision beats and hammering them together with "'roid rage," Godsmack have created the state-of-the-art jock rock for the new millennium. The band signed to Universal Records in 1998 and almost immediately scored with the single "Whatever," from their self-titled debut. A spot on the Ozzfest tour followed, as well as their follow-up record, Awake, which cemented their place near the top of the post-grunge heavy music heap. In 2002, they were nominated for a Grammy for "Best Instrumental Rock performance" for the song "Vampires." Godsmack continues to headline tours and put out records, the most recently, an acoustic reworking of some of their older songs, came out in 2003 and was titled The Other Side. - Chad Driscoll

Stone Temple Pilots

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:53:44 -0800

Though plagued by unaccepting critics over their career, Stone Temple Pilots have continued to win fans, selling more than 20 million albums and grabbing a Grammy in the process. Among the early harbingers of grunge, STP draw from influences such as Led Zeppelin and Black Flag to create their own influential sound. - Jessy Terry

No Doubt

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:05:40 -0800

Surfing high on the Ska Punk wave which raged in the 1990s, No Doubt found their ticket to ride in a watered-down, polished combination of 3rd Wave Ska and punk-pop. With success on the horizon, they quickly moved into more radio-friendly pop territory, launching a career that moved beyond alternative music festivals. As image-perfect as Disneyland, which sat in their backyard, No Doubt embraced a sound and look that countered the aggressive and raw aspects of grunge and punk. What little ska sound they had became buried under tightly crafted new wave currents. The group's appeal skyrocketed with the attention-grabbing centerpiece and vocalist, Gwen Stefani. In both sound and image, Stefani stood out like a forest fire in a snowstorm. Her lofty voice soared over easily digestible, bouncy guitars and took front stage both aurally and visually. Stefani went on to worldwide fame after the band went on hiatus in 2003. - Mark Murrmann

Blue October

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:07:25 -0800

This alternative rock band from Texas came together in the late '90s. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Justin Furstenfeld with his brother (and drummer) Jeremy, the current lineup includes Matt Noveskey on bass lead guitarist, CB Hudson (who replaced original guitarist Brant Coulter) and violinist Ryan Delahoussaye. A multi-instrumentalist, Delahoussaye also plays viola, mandolin and keyboards and was one of Blue October's original members along with the brothers Furstenfeld. Two years after releasing a well-regarded debut, The Answers, in their hometown of Houston without any label support or management, Blue October were signed to Universal Records. But that relationship was short-lived. After unleashing 2000's Consent to Treatment they were dropped -- only to be re-signed by the label a few years later, following the enormous success of their single "Calling You," which was also featured on the American Weddingsoundtrack. On their strength of their live shows and enthusiastic audiences, Dallas independent label Brando came calling, putting out their live CD (with DVD), Argue With A Tree, followed by another studio effort, History for Sale. Universal ended up signing them up for a fourth studio effort, 2006's Foiled, and reissued History. Even though they are now back with a major label, Blue October still consider themselves an indie band because of their DIY beginnings, and their huge loyal fan base. - Michele K-Tel

Hinder

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:55 -0800

Joining the ranks of Breaking Benjamin and Nickleback in the ever-evolving-but-poorly-named active rock arena is Oklahoma City quintet Hinder. The band originally came together around the college campus in OKC, when lead singer Austin Winkler was playing for a cover act. A few years, a self-released CD and many gigs later, Hinder was being eagerly courted by the majors, and they finally settled on Universal to release their official debut, 2006's Extreme Behavior. Without much hype and much to the coastal states' surprise, the hard-partying band became one of 2006's biggest success stories thanks to the cynical, sentimental power ballad "Lips of an Angel." - Jonathan Zwickel

David Cook

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:57 -0800

David Cook, American Idol's season seven winner, has come a long way since languishing in obscurity with a Midwestern rock outfit name Axium. Cook started the Missouri-based group while a junior in high school, giving him his first taste of the spotlight that would bathe him after his Idol win over fresh-faced runner-up David Archuleta. Born in Houston and raised in Missouri, Cook has a big, versatile voice, which helped him sail though the competition singing songs by acts as widely disparate as Dolly Parton, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Our Lady Peace, though his ease in donning an electric guitar and crooning a post-grunge hook clearly shows his inclination for the latter. His first single, the sentimental rocker "The Time of My Life" (notably different from the Dirty Dancing theme) was released in May of 2008 and is expected on his debut full length, which will call in the talents of OneRepublic songwriter Ryan Tedder. - Nate Cavalieri

Collective Soul

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:54 -0800

Collective Soul is a thinking man's AOR band combining the grit of post-Seattle rock with melodic vocals and occasionally Hip-Hop-flavored percussion. They've enjoyed no small amount of success with the 25-30 age group interested in serious "alternative" music and continue to release world-conscious music in the passionate vein of Zooropa-era U2. Frontman and main contributor Ed Roland shows a strong Natalie Merchant influence, especially when he dances. - Mike McGuirk

Alanis Morissette

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:06 -0800

While Alanis Morissette came to prominence largely on the strength of her seething, vengeful single "You Oughta Know," her evolution as an artist is a study in leapfrogged temperaments -- from her tomboy character on Canadian television's You Can't Do That on Television to her Juno Award-winning Dance Pop years (with material not unlike that of Tiffany or Debbie Gibson) to Jagged Little Pill's take-back-the-night stance to her current kinder, gentler, global self (No -- thank you, India). Morissette continues to do what most pop stars do best -- perform. While many artists of late have jumped on the phat beat bandwagon in a gamble for the approval of their audience and come up empty handed, Morissette's producer did so effectively with "Are You Still Mad," forging entrancing loops and eerily tense melodies to accompany her strong, dramatic vocal. The track marked a slight departure from the radio-friendly, heartwarming melodrama to which many had become so accustomed in recent years. Dark cellos and creepy, cascading piano melodies create engaging, almost cerebral soundscapes to offset Morissette's self-centered empowerment lyrics and dynamic, arena-friendly voice. An open challenge for all to just "get over it." - Kelly Bauman

Sugar Ray

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:55 -0800

Sugar Ray owe a great debt to the powers that make their fusion of styles so darn catchy. Somehow, the union of hardcore Speed Metal with growling vocals, the sunny, feel-good songs with shimmering acoustic guitar, grungy guitar-driven rock and DJ Homicide's groovy beats make a unified sound all their own. Fueled by the popularity of their ubiquitous first single "Fly" and singer Mark McGrath's pin-up looks -- the five-piece SoCal band seem likely to beat Warhol's "fifteen minutes of fame" prediction. - Kali Holloway

Flyleaf

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:19 -0800

Flyleaf is a hard-rocking alternative band from Temple, Texas. Bolstering the powerful vocals of singer Lacey Mosley with guitars on top of guitars and a thumping rhythm section, the band resurrects the angst of the grunge years, often simultaneously echoing such disparate influences as Soundgarden, the Cranberries (in that band's heavier moments) and the tight structures of Veruca Salt. - Mike McGuirk

Puddle Of Mudd

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:21 -0800

This hugely popular alt-metal four piece owes a great debt to the dark mood metal of Alice In Chains and Tool. The group's aggressive, no-frills approach has won them many fans who value the type of earnestness mixed with self-deprecating Cobain-isms heard on their big hits, "Control" and "She Hates Me." - Jon Pruett

Live

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:53:47 -0800

Live are so serious that if you went up to singer Ed Kowalczyk and said, "Excuse me, but how do you pronounce your last name?" he might punch you in the neck. Either that or he'd sit you down and speak to you of Krishna and Vishnu. Their debut album Mental Jewelry saw them carrying the torch of idealistic and spiritually minded rock a la U2. The rhythms were punchy without being straight-up Hard Rock, and the dynamics were relatively subtle. But it was Throwing Copper (1994) that revealed their transformation into one of the most popular Post-Grunge bands out there. The guitars were heavier, the rhythms pounded more and danced less, and Kowalczyk was still the passionate, good-God-what's-wrong-with-the-world kind of guy that he'd always been. The janglier moments, such as the hit "Selling the Drama," called to mind R.E.M. -- or at least R.E.M. jamming with Nirvana. They haven't changed their recipe since, as they continue to churn out heaping gobs of the world's most serious music. - Will Lerner

Five for Fighting

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:26 -0800

They say that "crime doesn't pay," but for John Ondrasik this is hardly true. For if he hadn't stolen his sister's guitar at an early age, he might not have become the brain and the breath behind Los Angeles' Five For Fighting. His emotional, piano-centric post-grunge songs dance around Ondrasik's radio-friendly voice. He is a singer who sounds like a cross between Thom Yorke (Radiohead) and Van Morrison, although he once took opera vocal lessons (this was short lived). Ondrasik's debut album, Message for Albert, was released in 1997 under the Five For Fighting moniker on Capitol Records. His sophomore and more politically-themed long-player, America Town, came out in 2000 on Columbia. After Ondrasik performed "Superman (It's Not Easy)" at the Concert for N.Y.C. following the events of 9/11, his album went platinum. A few snarky critics panned him for exploiting the theme and the timing, but when a very symphonic and romantic third album called The Battle For Everything was released in 2004, he proved that he was, after all, more artful than commercial. - Eric Shea

Third Eye Blind

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:53 -0800

One of the leaders in the slew of modern bands releasing lyrically-driven, post-Nirvana rock that incorporates a variety of styles to create one of their own. Third Eye Blind's combination of rock guitars, Beatles harmonies and emotionally charged vocals has been scoring hits since they burst on the scene in 1997 with "Semi-Charmed Life." They fall in the same category as Foo Fighters and Everclear, with smart, post-grunge pop that appeals to adult audiences as well as college-aged kids. Since the 1990s, their material has shown off a more muscle-bound unit than before. - Mike McGuirk

My Morning Jacket

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 09:16:49 -0800

Think about all the indie rock guys who affect Neil Young-inspired vocals: there's J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr., David Baker from Mercury Rev, Wayne Coyne from Flaming Lips, and even Dean Wareham from Galaxie 500/Luna. My Morning Jacket leader Jim James doesn't affect anything. He may sing somewhat like Neil Young, but he also kind of talks like Neil Young. All those aforementioned indie icons have totally different speaking voices that don't match up with their singing voices. My Morning Jacket are the real deal. They're from Louisville, Kentucky. So rather than being indie rockers approaching a southern thing, they're southern boys approaching an indie thing, which is not only totally endearing but completely authentic. Their music seems to effortlessly traverse uncharted territory, from twangy rock to dream pop, touched with a little reggae and even some disco influences. And they sure do like the reverb. Gobs of reverb. They slather it like ranch dressing all over the damn place, but it totally works. Rather than sounding like geeky shoegazers with a foot pedal fetish, they cast out lines of atmosphere; in fact My Morning Jacket's songs breathe worlds of atmosphere. The band was formed with ample help from James' cousin Johnny Quaid, a guitar player who seems to have grown up on 'ludes and Slowdive records. Rounded out with a versatile rhythm section comprised of Two-Tone Tommy and J. Glenn on bass and drums, the band's original lineup was a powerful quartet. Their first album, The Tennessee Fire, came out on Darla Records in 1999, but it was 2001's At Dawn that propelled them into indie darlingdom with their pastoral yet rather astral "The Way That He Sings," the perfect hybrid between indie and twangy. For this album, the drumming duties were handled by KC Guetig and they added Danny Cash on keyboards. Eerie melodies weave in and out of At Dawn as guitars and drums crash down like sonic avalanches, only to rise like a harmonious phoenix by the end of the album. Drummer Patrick Hallahan replaced Guetig by the time My Morning Jacket was ready to tour At Dawn in the States; then Cash and Quaid left the band when It Still Moves, their first major label album, was released. Carl Broemel took over guitar duties and Bo Koster was added as the band's keyboard player, just in time to record 2005's Z with John Leckie, who produced (among many things) the first Stone Roses album. - Eric Shea

Audioslave

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:45:45 -0800

Audioslave combine three former members of Rage Against The Machine with ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell. Despite early talk that the group might retain the RATM name and some stop-start activity prior to releasing their debut, the band emerged as a newly named unit in 2002 with a sound that substituted Cornell's powerful introspection for Rage's political fury. Though it's hard to hear their debut as much more than a collaboration between two forceful personalities, the dynamic does offer major fist-pumping power and has lead to subsequent albums. Out of Exile appeared in 2005, mostly conforming to the band's established modern hard rock pattern. 2006's Revelations, however, took a rootsier approach. First single "Original Fire" shakes and rattles with an almost bluesy swagger, marking a new direction for the supergroup. No tour in support of the album led to some fan speculation of a breakup...and that's exactly what happened. Rage Against the Machine reunited in 2007 and Chris Cornell eased back into a solo career. - Jon Pruett

Switchfoot

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:57:28 -0800

Beginning with brothers Jonathan and Tim Foreman and their buddy Chad Butler, Switchfoot's leap from beach town garage band to international phenomenon seemed almost instantaneous. A homemade demo found its way to the hands of Christian rock forefather Charlie Peacock, after which it quickly morphed into their 1997 debut The Legend of Chin. After the success of their debut and follow-up record, the band added keyboardist Jerome Fontamillas in 2000 and recorded a third CD. That album, Learning to Breathe, served as their bridge to the mainstream with several tracks (including the huge hit "Dare You to Move") landing on the soundtrack on Mandy Moore's 2002 blockbuster A Walk to Remember. Frontman Jon Foreman even recorded a duet with the film's star. From there it was only a short hop to Sony's roster for their first mainstream label release, Beautiful Letdown, which hit No. 1 on the Christian charts and No. 16 on Billboard's Top-200, much in thanks to the break-out hit "Meant to Live." They threw one more log on the fire -- adding touring buddy and guitarist Andrew Shirley -- for their 2005 release, Nothing Is Sound, which yielded "Stars," a song that contained one of the most fetching hooks in their history. So what's with the name? Switchfoot is a surfing term meant to convey changing one's foot position on the board, thus gaining a new perspective. For the band, this concept is more than just a token homage to their years growing up surfing together in San Diego, Calif.; it's purposefully illustrative of their goals in music and in life. In their sound, they mix it up to avoid fitting into any preconceived genre style. In their life, their lyrics speak of challenging one's perspectives toward the self and the world and ultimately taking these questions to God. But according to their official bio (written by the band): "Being Switchfoot is all about putting a different foot forward, risking to change or be changed." - Amy Bartlett

Hoobastank

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:09:55 -0800

This popular group takes bits and pieces of Weezer's powered-up punk-pop, mixes in some of Limp Bizkit's adolescent guitar crunch, and adds a dash of Faith No More's anglo-funk. It's a successful blend that allows the group to be embraced by the nu-metal crowd for their riffs, while also appealing to the sensitive kids with their poppy poignancy. On the scene since 1994, the group scored their biggest success with the 2004 single "The Reason," which was an MTV staple and anthem for the tween crowd. - Jon Pruett

Sick Puppies

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:54 -0800

In their home country of Australia, Sick Puppies hit the big time a long time ago. Singer/guitarist Shimon Moore and bassist Emma Anzai met in 1997 in their high school music room, bonded over Silverchair, and formed a band with drummer Chris Mileski. In the decade that followed, the Puppies added an album and some EPs, several national tours, and a hotly downloaded cover of Destiny's Child "Say My Name" to their resume.

Stateside, however, Sick Puppies are another YouTube success story. To save up money for the band's planned attack on the American market, Moore got a job at a Sydney mall, where he befriended and videoed a man named Juan Mann, who stood outside the mall every day with a sign reading "Free Hugs." When Mann's grandmother died, Moore edited that footage into a short video that chronicled Mann's Free Hugs Campaign, set it to the Puppies' "Nothing Really Matters," and sent it to Mann as a sympathy card. Moved, Mann posted the video to YouTube. By the end of 2006, "Free Hugs" had reached 11 million views, was featured on Oprah and CNN, and helped the Puppies (now with Mark Goodwin on drums) snag a deal with Virgin to release 2007's Dressed Up as Life. - Rachel Devitt

Bush

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:14 -0800

When Nirvana closed up shop in 1994, Britain's Bush was quick to seize an opportunity in a suddenly vacant market. Singer/guitarist Gavin Rossdale's howl echoes that of the late Kurt Cobain, yet something about Bush's craft screams "We Are the Champions," instead of "Loser." And they certainly were, on our side of the Atlantic, anyway. Their debut, 1994's Sixteen Stone, became a huge smash, beginning with the MTV-approved lead single, "Everything Zen." Despite their Steve Albini-produced second album, the critics hated them, accusing them of being pre-fab Nirvana also-rans. But the fans loved Bush, attending the band's sold-out tours by the thousands and supporting three more studio albums, plus a greatest-hits collection, an album of remixes and 2005's Zen X Four, which compiled their top videos and acoustic and live versions of their career hits. Lead guitarist Nigel Pulsford left to spend more time with his family in 2002, and the rest of the band decided to take a break to pursue other projects. Pretty boy Rossdale has, naturally, kept busiest, forming the band Institute in 2004, settling into family life with wife Gwen Stefani and working on a solo album. - Rachel Devitt

Everclear

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:21 -0800

Portland's Everclear is the most successful of the post-grungesters when it comes to being a household name. Formed in Portland in 1991, Everclear hit the turbo boost button and made short work of any possible contemporaries in 1995 with Sparkle and Fade. Not that the key ingredients are anything fancy: grinding, crunchy guitars littered with catchy punk-pop riffs and an occasional flirtation with the blues. Their stranglehold on the charts exists because singer/guitarist Art Alexakis' gritty vocals and personal, emotionally charged lyrics take center stage to the music. Is it grunge? Is it pop? Never mind. The band's stock lies in their empathetic storytelling. To wit: "Father of Mine" recounts Alexakis' anger at being deserted by his father, and "Fire Maple Song" deals with the loss of his brother to heroin (not to mention the singer's own battle with drug addiction). On this cut, Everclear serve up "unloved, American style," with a muscular take on the Smiths' classic mope anthem. - Kali Holloway

Our Lady Peace

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:21 -0800

If you're tired of all the guitar-toting, angst-singing, loud-soft-songwriting boll weevils that sprang up in the mid-90s, you probably didn't give Our Lady Peace much of a chance. That's unfortunate, because they are one of the more ambitious and distinctive members of the lot. Their debut album Naveed (1995) revealed a love of Zeppelin and Pearl Jam. Songs such as "Birdman" rocked with a zealous fervor: singer Raine Maida sounds as if he's going to collapse and start convulsing with each passing verse. The band began expanding their sonic palette with Clumsy (1997) and upped the ante with the ponderously named, Happiness... Is Not a Fish You Can Catch in 1999. That album possesses a vision and ambition that, at times, mirrors the sonic antics of Radiohead -- the downer moods come off as uplifting, with dense arrangements and soaring vocals. Don't write Our Lady Peace off just yet; they'll keep striving to win the cynics over. - Will Lerner

Deftones

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:19:32 -0800

Sacramento Alt Metal leaders slam you into submission with thick, ominous aggro-guitar riffs and the thunderous pounding of a lead-fisted drummer. Chino Moreno supplies vocals that can whisper or scream you into submission, catching you off-hand with a melodic hook. - Jessy Terry

Finger Eleven

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:53:43 -0800

Canadian band Finger Eleven make solid post-grunge pop music with all of the requisite elements, such as distorted guitars, a vaguely hip-hop drum feel, and the dreaded loud/soft dynamic move. But they've got a few tricks up their sleeves, like memorable hooky tunes, and the singer's seemingly effortless falsetto; putting them ahead of the pack in the pop music steeplechase. - Tom Heyman

P.O.D.

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:19 -0800

Formed in 1992 in San Diego, CA, this Christian nu-metal quartet, whose name stands for "Payable on Death," first broke onto the mainstream scene at the peak of rapcore's moment in 1999. Massive hits "Southtown" and "Rock The Party" off their first platinum record The Fundamental Elements of Southtown set the pace for vocalist Sonny Sandoval, guitarist Marcos Curiel, bassist Traa Daniels and drummer Wuv Bernardo's career to follow. Sonically, super-slick production helps these god-fearing SoCal boys create a tidal wave of sound with hip-hop-rhythmed choruses rising over screaming guitars, growling vocals and pounding drumbeats. After 15+ years together, P.O.D. are still going strong, with a new album due out in spring 2008. - Jen Guyre

Trapt

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:38:33 -0800

Trapt have been together since the mid-1990s, and were playing high-profile gigs (opening for alt metal bands such as Papa Roach) while Trapt's band members themselves were still in high school. Lighter than most nu-metal but still plenty heavy, the Southern California four-piece combines grunge-inflected '90s metal with modern, Linkin Park-style melodies and the occasional rapped verse. Signed to Warner Bros. in 2001, the band released a self-titled debut which shot them up the charts thanks to the MTV hit "Headstrong." They didn't get around to releasing a follow-up album until 2005, the slightly darker Someone In Control. - Charles Hodgkins

Better Than Ezra

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:38:16 -0800

Better Than Ezra entered the marketplace at the tail end of the grunge explosion, combining Seattle rock's emotional intensity with jangle pop accessibility and strong CBS-format savvy. Quickly tiring of formulaic guitar songs, Better Than Ezra's later records reveal their ability to evolve, as they incorporate elements of electronica and post-Radiohead sonic innovation. - Mike McGuirk

Good Charlotte

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:28:15 -0800

D.C.-based punk-poppers Good Charlotte made the Top 40 in 2002 with the snarly hit "Lifestyles of the Rich And Famous." Since then, they've become awefully rich and famous, appearing in episodes of MTV Cribs, wherein they show off their whips and dubs and what not. The band is fronted by twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden, devout fans of spiky hair and eyeliner both. Billy Martin, Dean Butterworth and Paul Thomas fill out the lineup. The band rode blink-182's coat tails in the early '00s, dropping "Rich And Famous," as well as MTV staple "The Anthem" and touring the world. 2004's Chronicles of Life and Death went platinum, but failed to match the sales of its predecessor. In 2007, the band dropped Good Morning Revival, featuring single "The River," a song that indicated it was just fine staying the pop-punk course it struck gold with five years prior. - Garrett Kamps

Smash Mouth

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:55 -0800

The first in a growing number of bands to eschew the traditionally accepted route to success via radio airplay and just go for the gusto with TV endorsements, Smash Mouth represent the new breed of media-savvy rock groups. By boiling down the elements of whatever styles seem to be the taste of the week and throwing a -pop ska beat behind it, they've ensured themselves a perpetual spot in the market. With the unforgettably infectious 1997 one-shot "Walkin' on the Sun," a deliciously snide synthesis of garage abrasiveness and lounge-y groove, Smash Mouth got everybody singing in a British accent and playing air-keyboards for a while. Their next release was a VW commercial.

Rehab

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:28:17 -0800

Rehab reestablish the bond between bombastic '70s arena-rock and bombastic '90s alterna-metal by creating bombastic alterna-arena rock. Weiland-esque vocals add an air of familiarity. - Jon Pruett

Blind Melon

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:43 -0800

Blind Melon were a hippie rock band who shied away from the psychedelic overtones of bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish. They formed in Los Angeles and released an eponymous debut on Capitol Records in 1992. Their major crossover hit "No Rain" was a gigantic ray of bouncing pop sunshine, bursting through a gray cloud of Grunge when the airwaves were inundated with flannel-clad distortion. The band's second album Soup found Blind Melon leaving behind the flowers and little girls in bumblebee costumes for a darker, moodier sound that revealed intelligent songwriting and a salient finesse in musicianship. While touring in support of the album, the band's future came to a tragic end when front man and vocalist Shannon Hoon died from a drug overdose. - Eric Shea

Guster

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:03:37 -0800

This Boston quartet sports two acoustic guitarists, a skilled percussionist, a cleanup multi-instrumentalist and soaring vocal harmonies. Their concise songs tend to take up residency in your head, thanks to melodies as catchy as commercial jingles and an unpredictable array of subjects that seem to traverse effortlessly from heady and heavy to lighthearted and humorous. Champions of the "street team" ethic, Guster have built up a large following by letting fans do much of their promotion through a "rep program" in which volunteers distribute fliers in advance of shows. They've also built a legion of hardcore disciples via the Internet and engaging live shows known for the band's witty and interactive banter. - Eric Shea

Fuel

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:21 -0800

Fuel may take cuts to the front of the Post-Grunge line, since they unleash bombastic ballads -- even utilizing strings for full dramatic impact -- just as naturally as they whip through brow-beating Hard Rock. Expect a full, bottom-heavy sound and scratchy vocals. - Will Lerner

Brand New

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:25:21 -0800

You don't need to hear the song "Good To Know That If I Ever Need Attention All I Have To Do Is Die" to know that at the very least, Brand New have some emo elements floating around in their post-grunge broth. Formed in 2000 in New York, the band took their pop-punk roots and shot them through with a Radiohead-like propensity for total despair. Thankfully they held on to the raggedy guitars. - Mike McGuirk

Crossfade

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:37 -0800

Based in South Carolina, Crossfade signed to Earshot records in 2002 and released their self-titled major label debut in 2004. The record established them as a refreshingly heavy alternative metal band adept at incorporating lots of melody and not averse to tossing in some hip-hop here and there. Crossfade is highlighted by the confessional, extremely melodic single "Cold." - Mike McGuirk

Tantric

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:38:28 -0800

Tantric's genesis lies in the Kentucky-based band Days of the New, in which Todd Whitener (guitar), Jesse Vest (bass) and Matt Taul (drums) found their first taste of success. Hot on the heels of an enormously successful debut, Days of the New spent the summer of 1998 opening for their heroes, Metallica. It was on this tour that Days started to unravel, and once back home in Kentucky, three members split. They formed Tantric shortly thereafter, bringing in singer Hugo Ferreira to round out the lineup. Tantric's 2001 eponymous debut, a mixture of hard-hitting southern rock and post-grunge-styled riffs, sold over 500,000 copies and earned the band its first gold record. Tantric's sonically similar sophomore album, After We Go, was released in March 2004. - Linda Ryan

Eve 6

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:09:59 -0800

The first thing you think is, "Hey, this is tight, spry and fun. Sure, they mope a bit, but the hooks are so lip-smackin' yummy that they won't make me blue." Then you learn a little bit about the band, so you think, "My God, they're young!!" And then it all starts making sense. Alternating between mid-tempo post-grunge (e.g., their 1998 mega-hit "Inside Out") and punk-pop that rushes at you like a pack of mad dogs, this is so-catchy-it-hurts music for the kid in all of us that won't embarrass you or your loved ones. - Eric Shea

Chris Cornell

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 22:53:34 -0800

From grunge purveyor to Timbaland cohort, Chris Cornell has been a key player in rock music since the '80s. Cornell helped form Soundgarden in 1984, which became one of the most successful Seattle grunge groups of the early '90s. After five albums and growing tension, Soundgarden disbanded in 1997. This gave Cornell the opportunity to focus on his solo work, and he released his debut in 1999. Euphoria Morning saw a mellowed Cornell, who ditched the metal sludge for lonesome melodies rich with acoustic guitar, harmonica and tamer croons from a man often listed as one of the top metal vocalists of the 20th century. Jumping at the chance to join the remaining members of Rage Against the Machine, Cornell set aside his solo career and became frontman for Audioslave. The band dropped three big-selling albums before RATM decided to reunite and Cornell eased back into his solo work. He contributed the theme song for the James Bond film Casino Royale and released the pop-inspired Carry On in 2007. A year later, he delved even deeper into the pop world, recruiting the ubiquitous Timbaland to produce his third release, Scream. - Stephanie Benson