By Laura Pelner
Staff Writer

The Pat McGee Band's third album, "Shine," was released in April and has received a lot of positive attention from fans and critics alike. Its sound is similar to bands such as Sister Hazel and Tonic and though some of its lyrics seem deep and questioning, its music still manages to be upbeat.

Most of the songs on the album seem to be directed to different females, though not all their themes are about love. Although romance does play a part in certain songs — such as "Runaway," which says "try to imagine your soul set free/let it go and run to me/you've got my heart, now take my life/lay it down, my love" — other songs are entirely different.

For example, the song "Haven't Seen For a While" really could appeal to most college students, as it explains a situation many may have gone through. Pat McGee, the lead vocalist, softly sings "as I lie here in bed, your smile fills my head/And I'm using this pen to talk to you, from a southern way/It's been weeks since I've seen you last/The time away from you ain't moving too fast/Wishing my summer away just to see you again." The rest of the song goes on to describe how much he misses the girl it's directed to, what he does to talk to her and how often he thinks of her and cannot wait to be with her again.

The Pat McGee Band is not at all over-produced or electric sounding. Its music is actually kind of mellow and almost takes on a country or folk-like tone because of all the guitars. The band does use some unusual instruments in its songs, along with the common electric and acoustic guitars and drums. Different band members play a banjo, mandolin and an organ.

The CD "Shine" has 13 songs, including a remake of "Rebecca" from the band's debut CD, "Revel," and a bonus unlisted instrumental track at the end.

The bands first single from the album, "Runaway," has already been released and received radio play. Moreover, the band was listed on Billboard's "Popular Uprising" column even before "Shine" came out in stores.