UndergroundSound: November 18, 2009

Pop/rock band OneRepublic’s new album, "Waking Up," shows off its unique instrumental work that garnered the band its fame and offers a more radio-friendly take on its eccentric sound.

Incorporating unusual instruments like the glockenspiel, the tambourine and the viola into its music, OneRepublic has always been able to supply listeners with something different than what is heard on everyday radio.

"Waking Up" is no exception when it comes to the band’s tendency to put a unique twist on its musical sound and provides much more upbeat foot-tapping rhythms than we’re used to hearing from OneRepublic, making the album the band’s most radio-friendly work to date.

The single "All The Right Moves" is an energetic anthem that although sung by the soft voice of lead singer Ryan Tedder, has the capability to be a dance hit played in nightclubs.

Songs like "Lullaby" are reminiscent of the band’s former radio hit "Apologize" and serve as the slower, haunting Coldplay-like version of the band’s voice.

The album, although exhibiting more of a pop sound, still holds onto the band’s matchless poetic lyrical style and is ultimately a well-rounded album suitable to listen to no matter what the listener’s mood.

Former "American Idol" winner Kris Allen recently released his self-titled debut album.

On the pop/rock singer-songwriter’s first single "Live Like We’re Dying," he channels Jason Mraz, and although their vocal qualities do show certain similarities, Allen remains true to himself and his style.

"Red Guitar, showcases Allen’s songwriting skills as he proves that he is an actual artist with real potential.

It has a heavy country/pop/rock influence, but it’s definitely signature Allen and something that his fans will enjoy.

"The Truth" is one of the album’s best songs. The song was written by Toby Gad, known for working with the likes of Beyonce and Fergie, and it highlights Allen’s pure tone and mainstream appeal.

While the song could be compared to something pop/rock group OneRepublic would do, it shows what Allen is capable of and why he won the Idol title.

With the album’s closing track, Allen decided to professionally record one of the songs he sang on "Idol" that got him a lot of praise.

Kanye West’s "Heartless" is a song that Allen reworked, and he turns the song upside down and gives it a completely new feel with a lot of life. It’s not better than the original, but Allen definitely deserves credit for his originality within the album and song.

Rapper Melisa Young, more commonly known as Kid Sister, recently dropped her debut album, "Ultraviolet."

Sister has gained popularity in the rap world thanks to the album’s first single, "Pro Nails," which features Kanye West and a killer hook that’s sure to get stuck in anyone’s head.

Many of the other tracks on the album pack the same punch as "Pro Nails."

Songs like "Right Hand Hi" and "Step" have club-worthy beats, while other tracks like "Get Fresh" and "Switch Board" display Sister’s independent and intelligent style of rap.

"Life On TV" could be considered the flop of the album. It gets repetitive after just one listen.

The album is a great display of a strong female rapper in what is a mostly male-dominated industry.

It also helps that she has star power from artists like Kanye West, Estelle, Cee-lo and DJ Gant-man.

Even with cameos from such high-power musicians in the hip-hop industry, Kid Sister still manages to keep the spotlight on herself.

While some may say her voice sounds too much like Lil Mama, Sister’s talent definitely outshines her.

Look to this album if you want a fun soundtrack for a night out with friends.