Calling the World (2007)

ROONEY TUNES The O.C. faves sound like they've been taking a cue from Breakfast in America on their new CD

In 2003, all was glorious for young Rooney: The L.A. power-pop quintet had a rising self-titled debut, love from The O.C., and, as a result, an attendant legion of teen fans. Four years and two scrapped albums later, they're back, power and pop intact — only this time their alt-y new-wave jangle is filtered through big, brash production. It's as if they've adopted Supertramp as their spirit animal, soaking Calling the World in mondo synths and double-tracking. Is it cheesy? Kind of. But sometimes your musical diet can use a little extra dairy. B+