Third Eye Blind/Dashboard Confessional/Augustana

With a self-titled debut that still ranks among the top tier of late-90s rock albums, Third Eye Blind secured and maintained a spot in hearts all over the U.S. (I mean, sheesh, go back and cue up songs like “Graduate,” “Thanks a Lot,” “Motorcycle Drive-By.” That’s an incredible album.) While their follow-up releases were all solid in their own way, including the woefully underrated Blue, Stephan Jenkins and Co. will most likely always be known for the Big Three: “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper,” “How’s It Gonna Be.” And there’s nothing wrong with that. Jenkins’ writing chops are in a league of their own, and his penchant for pop hooks packages his lyrical introspection with head-nodding grooves. The band’s upcoming album, Dopamine, will be out in June. 3EB released “Everything is Easy,” which reminds us of the band’s poppier roots; it’s particular reminiscent of that dynamite Blue we mentioned earlier. Go listen to that. (Sandy)