the 31 best of 2007 – 7: Melee – Devils and Angels

In at number seven, is the amazing sophomore album Devils & Angelsby the Orange county pop-rock quartet Melee. Melee is more than just another one of those emo-punk-pop groups from California; these kids have some amazing talent, and it shows on each one of the songs on this great record. With perfectly polished rhythm, great song writing ability, and production value through the roof, you are really in for a treat when you pop this album into your player. The singing on this record is also a major treat, with all of their beautiful voices melding together in perfect harmony. This is something that puts them amongst my favorite singers in my vast music collection.

Melee are one of those bands that I discovered by accident, and I was instantly blown away by how much I thoroughly enjoyed their music from beginning to end. Seriously, this record sounds like it should be more of a greatest hits record than a sophomore effort; each of the songs are radio-worthy, and quite frankly, could stand out as chart topping singles and bona fide hits. Blending that piano-rock sound that I love so much with the alternative guitar driven pop-rock sound that I also crave, Melee totally delivers the goods on this record; there is not a bad song in the bunch. In fact, it is really hard to pick favorites, because of how good each song really is.

I read somewhere that there was a bidding war between record labels to snag these guys, and that doesn’t surprise me at all; the talent is sky high with this lot. They are the perfect pop-rock group, and make it seem like crafting great music is easy. This is one of those CDs that you can play, and thoroughly enjoy the entire experience. I really can’t say enough great things about Melee, and I am beginning to feel a little like I am a gushing soccer mom at this point. These guys remind me of little bits of some of my favorite artists, like Ben Folds and Weezer; but they have their own polished sound going, and it is great.

I am glad that I randomly discovered this CD, because after one listen, I was truly impressed. I knew that it would make my list instantly, because it is damn good; and it is one of those albums that you can listen to over and over again, with it getting better each time. Again, it sounds more like a greatest hits record that a band would make after years of recording albums, because each and every song sounds like a single. That says a lot about this group, because if their first big label go is this good, I would bet that they have a long career in front of them; and I am certainly looking forward to it myself.

Favorite songs from Devils & Angels:
Can’t Hold On
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/melee-cantholdon.mp3]
She’s Gonna Find Me Here
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/melee-shesgonnafindmehere.mp3]
For A Lifetime
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/melee-foralifetime.mp3]
Built To Last, Love Carries On, and Stand Up.

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