GASOLINE

On Theory of a Deadman's 2002 hit debut, the band combined the heavy riffs of nu-metal with a grunge-revival vocal style that often recalled Creed and Nickelback. The latter comparison makes sense, of course, as Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger co-wrote many of the record's tunes, and Theory was the first signing to his 604 Records imprint. With GASOLINE, however, the band took Kroeger's well-developed melodic sense and ran with it, delivering a disc bristling with catchy tunes, unafraid to dispense with the grunge formula. Like Stone Temple Pilots, Theory of a Deadman is a pop band at heart, often singing about love and relationships gone wrong over a wide variety of musical textures. "No Surprise" employs an old-school 1970s-rock shuffle beat, while "Hello Lonely (Walk Away from This)" is based on a funky syncopated chord progression reminiscent of Jeff Buckley's "Last Goodbye. " "In the Middle" is a tuneful ballad that could almost pass for a Nashville country song in the hands of, say, Keith Urban. Other tracks feature slide guitar, strings, and a host of other production touches, all of which help make GASOLINE an unusually diverse and satisfying rock record.