Angie Arparo’s major label debut album The American introduces his earnest, slightly rootsy brand of modern rock. “Green Into Gold,” “Hush,” “Cry,” “Wonderland,” and the single “Spaceship” recall the big, heartfelt sounds of REM, Soul Asylum, the Goo Goo Dolls, and especially Live, but Arparo’s impressive vocal range and adept songwriting elevates the songs above mere imitation. An appealing album, The American’s polished yet emotive sound places it head and shoulders above most of the other modern rock of the ’00s. – Heather Phares