Silent Alarm

The London foursome bring together punk and funk, love and politics on this wondrously fun and emotional 2005 debut. Silent Alarm rockets right out of the gate: Its first four tracks, undeniable highlights all, are driven by a taut, propulsive rhythm section. A duo of chiming guitars intertwines, and Kele Okereke's yelps build the tension, which eventually explodes on syncopated dance punk anthem "Banquet." The band then slowly unwinds with "Blue Light" and "This Modern Love," the kind of big, dramatic ballads that have the power to make you dance while you cry.