1. Kings of Leon, Because of the Times
“They take a melody and repeat it over and over again in a way that never gets old.”

2. The Kung Fu Girls, Thinking of You
“Two young chicks making crazy pop music that doesn’t sound like Hilary Duff.”

3. Panic! At the Disco, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
“Their melodies are all over the place, but they’re so good they can get away with it.”

4. Paul McCartney, Memory Almost Full
“His last record was too mellow; this one’s catchier.”

5. Regina Spektor, Begin to Hope
“It’s a little folky, but there’s a big pop element.”