3 Doors Down - 3 Doors Down

“Great rock bands know how to not only shake listeners with thundering guitars, but also feed their souls with thoughtful lyrics that echo the complexities of the human experience. 3 Doors Down succeeds powerfully on both levels with this brilliant album. The band’s fourth studio set is already off to a great start at radio with the hit “It’s Not My Time,” just one of 12 memorable tracks: “Train” is a hard-edged anthem about escaping to a better life, and “Citizen Soldier,” written at the request of the National Guard to be used in promotional spots, is a musically aggressive and lyrically poignant tribute to those serving in the military. Taut musicianship, well-crafted songs and potent vocals make this a landmark album in an already multiplatinum career. —Deborah Evans Price”

Blowing Trees - Blowing Trees

“Drawing from influences as diverse as Pink Floyd, the Flaming Lips and Radiohead, San Antonio-bred Blowing Trees demonstrated at this year’s South by Southwest that they know how to have a good time. Known for a feverish following and energetic live shows, they wrangled producer Dave Castell—who forged hits for Blue October and Deep Blue Something—for their debut self-titled set. What emerges is a hook-laden 12-track journey that swirls between psychedelic and anthemic, lyrically taking on the state of the world today. Lead singer Chris Maddin’s vocals soar to Himalayan heights as he addresses war in “Airplane Fixation” and relationships in “A Different Time.” With a strong endorsement from rock historian and Sirius Satellite personality Matt Pinfield, Blowing Trees are primed to blossom.—Alex Vitoulis”