The Fray, 'The Fray'

The buzz: Formed by pianist/vocalist Isaac Slade and guitarist Joe King in Denver, this down-the-middle ballad factory took off after songs from its double-platinum 2005 debut "How to Save a Life" landed on shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "Scrubs," "Cold Case," "One Tree Hill" and ... "Alfred Hitchcock Presents"? OK, we made that last one up, but you get the picture: the Fray specialize in sweeping, radio-friendly epics that are perfect for accentuating drama, be it internal or televised. And the cross-mediated success of the band's first blast has pushed it to center stage. Hence the self-titled, self-aware sophomore follow-up.

The verdict: From Slade's opening piano and vocal flourishes on "Syndicate" to the choral backing vocals of the orchestral closer "Happiness," the Fray are concentrating their firepower on the mainstream. Not that there aren't some surprises: the shuffling, whispering drums and guitar of "Ungodly Hour" skew the backbeat slightly, and the acrobatic thump of "We Build Then We Break" heats up nicely. But not for long: from the Oasis-like bombast of "You Found Me" to Coldplay confessionals such as "Never Say Never," Slade and crew are perfectly happy to bring the drama and the platinum. 

Did you know? The band literally pulled its name out of a hat. Or a suggestion bowl, more precisely, that was set up at Slade's graduation party.