Bad Religion - "New Maps of Hell"

Released: 2007
Format: standard album (CD or download)

Songwriting: 8
Performance: 8
Recording: 3
First Impression: 8
Staying Power: 7

At the risk of abusing a tired internet cliche: this is the best, Bad Religion album, ever!  It picks up where "Stranger Than Fiction" left off a decade prior, and takes it to a whole new level.  The highly intellectual lyrics, multiple-part vocal harmonies and tight musicianship are exemplary.  The recording quality is craptacular, but hey, it's punk rock, so who cares?

Suggested Sample Track: it's really difficult to choose just one, but "New Dark Ages" will do.

Recommendation: if you like punk rock, then this album should absolutely be a part of your collection.  If you're undecided on the band or the genre as a whole, then this album is a good introduction.