Album Review(s): Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A. and Amy MacDonald

So I have only a couple of albums I wish to rate for your viewing pleasure this evening. Didn't get the chance to evaluate more than this, the others I'm still feeling more inconclusive about at this time.

Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A. - Songs From Suburbia

Rating: Rambunctious/ Happy - 3.5/4.0
We have here some fine work from the third wave ska revival of the 1990's that gave bands such as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and No Doubt their big starts. This is the sophomore album of the group, which is their best work. The album starts off good and builds up quickly, but some of the song placements in the album I'd say could have been better. The beginning gets quick and loud fast, then gets more mellow by the end of it which seems like kind of a bummer for a ska album. Now granted, it wasn't too bad but the last few tracks were beginning to lose me till "Morning Sun" came on. In my opinion, the ending for this genres should be much more tremendous and loud.

It's very catchy, the songs have good lyrics and the singer doesn't repulse me like some ska bands like Less Than Jake. Tracks like Jolene and MCMLIX (1959) are absolutely wonderful, especially the 1959. The song is about how the baby boom generation wasn't quite as innocent as our parents so often lead us to believe. Other notable tracks include Beggin' and Time.

Amy MacDonald - This Is The Life

Rating: Earnest/Emotional - 4.0/4.5
The debut album of the Scottish singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald, entering charts at number 2. Not too bad for a first time, even though it's been a few years since the album was released she's had 6 singles in the UK (one being a re-release). MacDonald has quite a lovely voice, which adapts with the various speeds the the album's songs. I also have to give props to the band in the background, they really complement her very well. That's right, it's a folk album that isn't all slow songs about reflection and affection. It's good music to listen to when you just want to relax and that is always appreciated by yours truly.
The songs focus on things most people can find themselves relating too, whether it's melancholy or nostalgia with enough emotion in the lyrics for everyone. Tracks I'd recommend are This Is The Life, Poison Prince, Let's Start a Band and Barrowland Ballroom.