Led Zeppelin “IV”

Compare to: Deep Purple, the Yardbirds, the Jimi Hendrix Experience

With classic songs “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” “The Battle of Evermore,” and arguably the greatest song of all time in any style of music, “Stairway to Heaven,” Zeppelin’s fourth effort threw the band face-first into international superstardom.

Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham became gods among men – and still are. Their legacy remains, as well as the stories of drug- and alcohol-induced buffoonery, Jimmy Page’s rumored practicing of witchcraft and Satan worship, the mysterious aura about them and the hedonism and sexual debauchery they became known and even feared for.

This album features all of the best attributes of Zeppelin’s musical prowess.

The band definitively explores blues and rock with “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll,” and dives into folksy ballads and insanely difficult guitar riffs on “Stairway to Heaven,” which features Plant’s definitive shriek and mysterious lyrics and John Bonham’s dynamic drumming. Jimmy Page’s majestic guitar solo on “Stairway” might be the song’s penultimate moment, and is considered one of the best and most powerful ever played.

Led Zeppelin built the bridge that sealed the gap among generations with very different musical and personal tastes and ways of life. Led Zeppelin’s “IV” is the album that defined rock and roll music and moved the band from influential to legendary status. Don’t go to your deathbed without it.

“Essential”

– Dan Hopper

Children of Bodom

“Are You Dead Yet?” (Spinefarm)

Compare to: Soilwork, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity

Sometime in the mid ’90s, guitar solos became uncool. With the onset of alternative rock, the last thing anyone wanted to hear was a guitarist who could actually play more than the most basic power chords on his instrument. This trend continued into the 2000s with the popularity of nu-metal, where anyone with the musical talent of a kindergartner and a notebook full of lyrics about how daddy never loved them could land a record deal.

Apparently, Children of Bodom’s vocalist and lead guitarist Alexi Laiho must be completely oblivious to recent hard rock history, because on “Are You Dead Yet?” the Finnish guitar hero crams more shredding leads into a single song than MTV has featured in the entirety of its heavy rotation for the past 15 years. The rest of the Bodom hate crew are no slouches either, particularly keyboardist Janne Warman, whose playing switches from subtle textures to bombastic soloing without ever being overbearing.

Firmly rooted in the ’80s, Children of Bodom take the anthemic dueling guitars and lyrical catchiness of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in their prime and coat it in the speed and intensity of Megadeth-style thrash. Not only will these songs make you want to headbang and break stuff, they’ll have you singing the choruses for days on end.

With an emphasis on musicianship and song-craft rather than whiny lyrics and fashionable haircuts, Laiho and company might never be the “hippest” band in the metal world, but with “Are You Dead Yet?” it continues to prove it is one of the best.

“Buy it”

– Joshua Haun

Stevie Wonder

“A Time to Love” (Motown)

Compare to: The Jackson Five, Prince, Ray Charles

With “A Time to Love,” Stevie Wonder’s first new album in 10 years, the man revered for his timeless R&B pop ballads makes a heartfelt comeback to the music scene. The album features instrumental and vocal contributions from big name guest artists such as Prince, Kim Burrell and Paul McCartney, making it clear that despite time away from the industry, Wonder is still loved and respected.

A true veteran of the R&B world, Wonder has been cranking out records since 1962, and his music has impacted numerous generations. Wonder’s first greatest hits album out in the early ’70s – the stopping point for many legendary artist’s careers – but Wonder has continued to crank out the tunes, and his love of music is just as apparent on “A Time to Love” as it ever was on any of his earlier releases.

Wonder’s love of life and lyrical expression would seem cheesy and forced if sang by another artist – but somehow Wonder pulls it off without flinching. With this album, he proves he can still jive with modern times – only this album offers a refreshing blend of positive lyricism.

The modern R&B realm is dominated by artists who sing of sex, drugs and bling – and Wonder dives right in and delivers a dose of songs that portray a positive outlook on a world that is becoming more divided.

This album may face criticism in comparison to Wonder’s timeless classics, but when taken on its own merit – “A Time to Love” proves that Wonder still has game.

“But it”

– Dan McClanahan

Imogen Heap

“Speak for Yourself” (RCA)

Compare to: Zero 7, Thievery Corporation, Air

Maybe known best as the vocally-driven half of the European electro-pop duo Frou Frou, British singer-songwriter Imogen Heap originally entered the music scene as a solo artist.

After her 1998 solo debut release, “I Megaphone,” Heap decided to pair up with producer-songwriter-musician Guy Sigsworth and form side project Frou Frou.

Now back with her second solo disc, “Speak for Yourself,” Heap slinks her way through dreamy synths and stylish techno landscapes with her high-impact, one-of-a-kind vocals.

“Speak for Yourself” works well for many different reasons, but mostly because the technology doesn’t override the vocals and vice versa. Often times, vocals lack the stamina and passion they need to receive an equal spot on electronica albums. The real gems tend to be the pulses, beats and vibes. “Speak for Yourself,” however, is far from this.

Heap’s wistful words carry their own through this 12-track disc. Songs like “Goodnight and Go” mingle the singer’s airy voice with guitars and sharp electronic beats.

“Hide and Seek” is the true standout on the album, with its slow-motion, head-spinning melody. Heap displays deeper, darker vocals in a haunting drone.

“Speak for Yourself” brings a balanced sound, proving Heap’s side project can remain a side project.

“Buy it”

– Katie Piepel