BG's Top Ten Albums of 2004 - Number Eight

Rouge Wave - Out of the Shadow

With the Shins too busy making appearances on the "Gilmore Girls" and contributing to the Spongebob Squarepants soundtrack, someone had to step up and fill the quality indie pop void they left. Luckily Rouge Wave answered the call. Out of the Shadow is a little gem, packed with catchy, beautiful melodies and subtle details that reward multiple listens. This is no easy feat. In spite of what most people might tell you, putting out quality indie pop takes some skill, walking that fine line between being teeth-rottingly twee or just flat out annoying (ie The Unicorns). Rouge Wave manage this through deceptively simple, yet highly effective, song writing. The gorgeous opener "Every Moment" lets you know that, though you may not be hearing anything revolutionary, what you will hear is quality tunes. And let me go ahead and save you the trouble of searching for the years best indie pop tune. You'll find it right here with the folksy "Be Kind + Rewind" Though not as solid, Out of the Shadow is certainly the best indie pop debut to come along since Oh, Inverted World. And that should tell you all you need to know.