Cobra Starship "Hot Mess"

The band most famous for the song "Bring It" from the cult sensation Snakes on a Plane is back. With the Gossip Girl herself, Leighton Meester, in tow, they seem poised to make the jump into music fans' collective consciousness.

All told, this album isn't far removed from their previous work. With one big exception -- their lead single, "Good Girls Go Bad" featuring the aforementioned Meester. It is immediately danceable and has a sing-a-long chorus that everyone can get into. It may even sound familiar to some. Like an old friend. Maybe a little similar to last year's big hit "Let It Rock"? That's right, this song was co-written by Kevin Rudolf. So there's the formula, folks. Cult hit + Pete Wentz + dance beat + fun-to-shout lyrics + hot, young actress = Top 40. Go out and create your own!

Must hear: Good Girls Go Bad

(Release Date: 8/11/09)

Pony Pony Run Run "You Need Pony Pony Run Run"

French Power Pop. Have I said enough? Seriously though, this isn't the same ol' stuff that Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen releases every year. I don't know what it is about Parisians but they've taken what has become a very formulaic way for bands to have mainstream, one-hit wonder success and actually made it a work of art. Listen to this and try to forget the last Cobra Starship/Cute Is What We Aim For album. You'll remember why you enjoyed this genre in the first place.

Must hear: Hey You

(Release Date: 6/1/09)