Major Tom

• Original Release Date: May 5, 2009
• Release Date: May 5, 2009
• Label: Motown Records
• Copyright: (C) 2009 Universal Motown Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
• Song Length: 4:22 minutes
• Genres: Rock/General
• ASIN: B0027RLGHA

This cover of Peter Schilling's 80s classic is very good. The Shiny Toy Guns add their usual modern electronic pizazz, with Sisely's soft vocals and once again we have a hit. True to the original, but with a delightful spin, this song is WELL worth listening to for any 80s fan, or Shiny Toy Guns fan. In fact, if you were a New Wave/Electronica fan, you might just love it too!!

I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) (Extended Mix)

• Original Release Date: March 17, 2009
• Label: Ultra Records
• Copyright: 2009 Ultra Records, Inc.
• Song Length: 4:26 minutes
• Genres: Dance & DJ/General
• ASIN: B001VG0JY4

The extended version didn't add much substance to the song. I was expecting a different beat at the beginning or end. Still a great song though, catchy. I'd get the radio edit if I had to choose.

Boom Boom Pow

• Original Release Date: March 30, 2009
• Release Date: March 30, 2009
• Label: Interscope
• Copyright: (C) 2009 Interscope Records
• Song Length: 4:12 minutes
• Genres: Pop/General
• ASIN: B002236070

The Climb

• Original Release Date: March 24, 2009
• Release Date: March 24, 2009
• Label: Walt Disney
• Copyright: (C) 2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
• Song Length: 3:55 minutes
• Genres: Soundtracks/General
• ASIN: B001W3T44W

Some may think this song is for 'tweens' only and dismiss this because it's 'Disney' and from the Hannah Montana movie soundtrack. Personally, I couldn't care less that this girl is only 15 or 16 or whatever she is...all I know it that I get chills every time I listen to this song.

Sure, it's cliche in a way, and obviously written to be a commercial success. But, the songwriters here have done a fantastic job of crafting an extremely inspirational tune...I love the fact you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the message of keeping the faith, battling through our struggles and never giving up. It hits me right in the gut and the heart.

It starts soft with just piano and Miley's vocal and builds to a soaring chorus with full instrumentation. Although I've never liked a Miley Cyrus song before, she excels this time around and leans toward her country roots, passionately and sincerely delivering the message in a way that can make a 42-year-old man like myself almost tear up. Laugh at me all you want, but before you do, really give this song a good listen, because I believe many can and will be inspired by "The Climb".

Second Chance

• Original Release Date: June 24, 2008
• Label: Atlantic Records
• Copyright: 2008 Atlantic Recording Corp. for the United States and WEA International Inc. for the world outside of the United States
• Song Length: 3:40 minutes
• Genres: Rock/General, Pop/General
• ASIN: B001AXJ0GG

Every now and again a song is released that stands unparalleled by the artist's previous work and you just know that this song will go down as the band's signature tune. Shinedown's "Second Chance" is one of these songs. I remember when I first heard Audioslave's "Like A Stone" and got the same feeling I got when I first listened to "Second Chance", both have a deep and powerful meaning that can be appreciated by any Rock music lover. Sure its emotional and seemingly heartfelt, but that is why it is so good.

Listening to the lyrics and feeling the rhythm make this song what it is. We all have times when we must sacrifice something for the good of many, this song is about redemption for something done in the past. It would seem appropriate to relate it to martyrdom, in the sacrifice of yourself for a cause you believe in. The chorus goes as follows, "Tell my mother, tell my father I've done the best I can. To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand. I'm not angry, I'm just saying, sometimes goodbye is a second chance." Clearly a shot at redemption for something that occurred in the past. The heartfelt pleading to the parents indicates the hope of understanding he asks of them. I know that I can empathize with the lyrics and I know I have sacrificed myself at times for the benefit of others, and I think any listener should be able to sympathize with this song.

It seems to me that some rock groups make one great song, even when they are usually a faster rock band they produce one or two songs that stand out from the rest. The songs are usually slower and contain a message about life in general. "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Lonely Day" by System of a Down, and the aforementioned "Like A Stone" by Audioslave, all come to mind when I think of this category. "Second Chance" is a catchy and well thought out song. Sure, it could just be the band's conformation into Pop-Rock, but I like to think of it as a true testament to the band's quality and ability. Producing a song like "Second Chance" seems to require humility, song writing talent, and playing ability, Shinedown has proved that they are capable of this with this song.