Unwritten Law are quite an anomaly in the current pop-punk music scene. They aren't cute, their songs can be sloppy, and frontman Scott Russo seems to have a fixation on the darker things in life, you know, as opposed to high-school romances. "Here's To The Mourning," the follow-up to 2002's breakthrough "Elva," no doubt comes from a dark place. Russo's angsty lyrics, for the most part on here, revolve around drug abuse and bad relationships, topics that are not new, but are handled very maturely and passionately in the hands of this band. The single "Save Me" sets the tone for the rest of the album, which could be seen as a concept piece. The song is perfectly structured and takes dark material into catchy territory. Elsewhere, the band gets sloppier, but that's o.k. The music on here isn't focused on one genre specifically, and some of the songs move in unexpected ways. Overall, the album doesn't have much of a polish to it. "I Like The Way," one of the signature songs, an ode to drug-use, is a perfect example of how infectious and fine-tuned this band can be, but also why will never quite fit in on mainstream radio. "Because Of You" is the lone ballad, and is complimented nicely by the spiteful "She Says." Other highlights include the straight rockers "Lost Control" and "Celebration Song." The album goes on without a hitch, even if it is a bit awkward and different, and not very refined. Afterall, that's what true rock and roll is about, right?Unwritten Law have written catchier songs in the past without an outsider, and the rest of the album is a testament to how good they are without a song-doctor. But I guess we'll never know the reasons. Who cares, though, right? It's an amazing album, the first great release of the year. It just cements my respect for Unwritten Law and I highly recommend it to anyone.

After some rather unneeded drama, one of the coolest bands to emerge from the nu-metal scene, Static-X, have returned with their fourth studio album, "Start A War." Despite the album title, and a few of the song titles, there is no political agenda being pushed by the band, "war" is used as a metaphor. To create this album, Static-X not only re-united with producer Ulrich Wild (Taproot, Powerman 5000), but also with original guitarist Koichi Fukuda, who was undeniably a massive creative force in the band (who played on the band's first two albums, but quit before the second - "Machine" - was released). What we have here, is easily the best material the 'X have turned in since their 1999 debut "Wisconsin Death Trip." All of the familiar Static-X elements are here, make no mistake. It's not that this album sounds exactly like "W.D.T.," but that it has the same spirit. Those who were disappointed with the stunted growth of "Machine," or the strange change of direction (which I personally enjoyed) with "Shadow Zone," will most likely have their faith renewed after hearing this album. "The Enemy" and "Dirthouse" are classic-X, songs that will instantly please any and all fans. Drummer Nick Oshiro finally gets to play on this album. I was wondering for the longest time if he was any good at the drums, afterall, John Freese (The Vandals, A Perfect Circle) filled his seat on not only "Shadow Zone," but on "Disclaimer," the debut by his former band Seether. Well, let's just say, the boy can play. He's quite fast, and sounds perfectly natural with Static-X, as highlighted in "Skinnyman." Koichi, who replaced his old replacement, Tripp Eisen earlier in the year (after some Michael Jackson-esque charges were brought against him) refreshes the group's sound. He was sorely missed on "Shadow Zone," but he returns to the throne as the unsung hero of Static-X. This is probably the strongest line-up Static-X have had, and I get a feeling that there won't be much more rotation in the future.
"Start A War," is definitely the band at their best. You've got familiar sounds clashing with new sounds (hell, even that strange voice Wayne developed on "Shadow Zone" is present), and yet they manage to pull it off without a hitch. Personally, I don't see a flaw here. If you liked Static-X in the beginning, you're gonna love them now. This new release may not break down any walls, but it will surely solidify an already strong fanbase.

Rewind 6 years ago to 2000, and Disturbed was just one of many bands being churned out by various record companies that catered to the nu-metal rock scene that was exploding at the time. Fast forward to 2006 and only a few are still maintstays on the quickly changing atmosphere of mainstream rock. With the release of "10,000 Fists," Disturbed continued to solidify their place on top of the scene.This was a very critical album for the Chicago-natives. With most of their peers fading just as fast as Fall Out Boy and The All-American Rejects were gaining in popularity, it looked like Disturbed's future looked dire when it was announced the groups bassist, Fuzz, left the band. But that was the only change--the rest stayed constant. Yet another successful album filled with popular singles and a world tour to follow. Not much is different with "10,000 Fists" compared to their previous two albums. It's head banging, fast-paced rock led by energetic frontman David Draimen. The first single "Guarded" was emraced well by rock radio. "Stricken" is classic Disturbed with a great hook and established itself as an instant hit as the second single off the album. "Just Stop" is doing well as the third single and a handful of radio stations are spinning the title track as well. Track 11, "Land of Confusion" is a Genesis cover that is done very well. Other standout tracks include "Deify," "Sacred Lie", and "Sons of Plunder."10,000 Fists" is a better album than "Believe." Nothing will compare to their debut, "The Sickness." That is not a knock against the most recent two CD's, it's that "Sickness" was just that good.
Looking at other nu-metal bands over their careers, most changed their sound over the years (Mudvayne, Staind, Limp Bizkit, Korn, etc.); some for better, some for worse. I say kudos to Disturbed for sticking with their signature, unique sound. It hasn't failed them yet.

This is probably 2pac's most popular cd. Every girl I ever dated had this record, I mean its unbelievable.This is the best double cd in rap ever. Probably his best cd, I mean look at the hits. How Do You Want It, I Aint Mad At Cha(his best video), 2 Of Amerika's Most with Snoop rappin his a** off, Of course California Love (probably his 2nd most played radio song today), All About U. Then U got the underground classics, Ambitionz Az A Ridda, Thug Passion, No More Pain, Picture Me Rollin, and Heartz of Men. What people have to remember when they rate this is that Pac and Dre put this album together in like a week. This album is more about Tupac having fun and its more thuggish then any of his others. It's somethin for everybody on this album, from Wonda Why They Call U b**** to Life Goes On to Run Tha Streetz to We Aint Hard To Find. And one of my personal favorites Heaven Aint Hard To Find. There's also some more of Pac predicting his death on Aint Hard To Find he spits, "I heard a rumor I died murdered in cold blood dramatized, pictures of me in my final stage you know imma cry, but that was fiction some cowards got the story twisted, like I no longer existed mysteriously missing". If you dont have this cd get it, This and Me Against The World are the best rap cds ever.

N*ggaz4life is a prime example of what gangster rap should and supposed to sound like. As one of the pioneers of this genre within hip-hop N.W.A brought a reality to those that didn't have any idea of the lifestyle of the urban cities of America. "Prelude" begins this album off with various giving an introduction for the group as MC Ren spits a verse by himself. For an edge that's almost heavy metal, "Real N*ggaz Don't Die" depicts the graphic nature of all three emcees / rappers. On a more up-tempo tune with repeated chords, "Appetite For Destruction" is pure chaos. The frequently sampled and copied "Alwayz Into Somethin'" is an example of a laid back gangster track. Captured by the blow of a repeated horn, "One Less B*tch" is simply about if and or when someone doesn't act accordingly how they are assassinated. Taken from an old school quote, "Findum, F*ckum & Flee" takes it to the "...hotel, to the motel, to the Holiday Inn..." If comedy is what you search for it could be found on here as well on "Automobile" as Eazy-E and Dr. Dre sings on this track. Eazy-E displays more talents 'singing' on the funk "I'd Rather F**k You" in good company of some real soulful singers. To an eerie, horror strings and tweaked vocals, "Approach To Danger" is a front row seat to a demented lifestyle. On "Dayz Of Wayback" they reminisce on their earlier years of Compton, California. This is gangster music without any distortion. And the production by Dr. Dre & Yella captured the lyrics as if it were a digital camera.