You remember the international hit "Counting Blue Cars" – ‘Tell me all about God, I’d really love to meet her’? Yeah, you remember that song. Well, that was from their 1998 debut album, Pet Your Friend. Since then not much was heard from Dishwalla.

Their second album fell short of expectations, which often happens following a hugely successful debut album. That did not stop them; they revived the momentum by contributing songs to a number of soundtracks – The Avengers ("Truth Serum"), Stir of Echoes ("Stay Awake"), and American Pie ("Find Your Way Back Home").

Well, 2002 picks up where "Counting Blue Cars" left off. Dishwalla released Opaline, their third studio album. This album is one of my favorite CDs of the year – "passion times ten".

I caught their live show at the Alternative Oktoberfest sponsored by Finkl & Sons. The show was a true representation of Dishwalla’s artistry. They sounded great live and the band didn’t miss a beat. Let me tell you guys and girls, Boystown has a new sex symbol. The lead singer J.R. Richards is a hottie with a mad body. Sporting a tight shirt and cargo pants, messy hair and a skull cap, and a five o’clock shadow, he took the stage and let his passion flow. The hour and a half set was packed mostly with songs from the new CD. He even threw in a rendition of Soft Cell’s "Tainted Love".

Like the concert, the CD is rich in its melodies, lyrics and amopheric layer of beats. The first release – the top 40 "Somewhere In Between" – is the money song, drawing you into the depth of their music. This album has been on heavy rotation among all of my friends, we just can’t get enough.

Opaline is a dynamic CD with lush vocals, hip-hop beats and stripped down guitars. It is unique in the sense that it never strays from the foundation of Dishwalla’s sound. J.R. Richards penned most of the albums lyrics, based on past relationships, recent experiences and soul-searching with the theme of Hope. I have pegged this CD "the healing album" – check out the emotional track "Candle Burn", the piano and textured pads will leave you breathless. Also check out "Angels and Devils" and you will understand what I’m talking about. Other favorites of mine are "Nashville Skyline", "Home" and "When Morning Comes".

This is not your average CD and Dishwalla is not your average rock band. They possess depth and maturity, which most of today’s bands will never achieve.

Band mate Scot Alexander says, ‘I don’t think we’ve ever fit into the current niche and to be totally honest, that’s fine with us. We know who we are.’ Richards adds, ‘The title track "Opaline" represents the idea of wanting to escape from ugliness to beauty, which is what this record has become for us.’

If you are looking for that CD that will take you on a higher level of love, spirituality, and soul searching, this is it – Dishwalla gives 100% on this album. If you are in the market for a great rock CD, this is a must-have.

Dishwalla’s Opaline is a great holiday gift, but if I were you I’d buy a copy for myself!