Rock band Carolina Liar give 21st-century New Wave a potent pop punch on their 2008 debut album. With hitmaker Max Martin producing, the album is jam-packed with hooks, through the Interpol-like jangle of pounding rocker "I'm Not Over" and stadium-ready ballads like "Show Me What I'm Looking For." Frontman Chad Wolf navigates life in all of its messy moments—regretting that one-night stand on The Killers-esque "Last Night"—and crucial turning points, making a fresh start on the sparkling, synth-streaked anthem "California Bound.”