How fitting that with an album whose title conjures up thoughts about what it means to be a part of the world at large, Washington D.C.'s Army of Me provides a modern update on a concept I like to call Average Guy Rock. Average Guy Rock is made by well, average guys. While they retain a certain measure of cool, there are no larger than life Jagger or Bowie types that are made for idolizing but prove hard to identify with. Stylistic trademarks of such bands include soaring hooks, well-crafted guitar licks and lyrics which connect the listener to some small measure of what it means to be alive. In the '90s, the mantle of Average Guy Rock fell to bands like Dishwalla, Dexter Freebish, Tonic and Goo Goo Dolls. While Army of Me's sound is a bit more adventurous than the aforementioned groups, they share a common thread in that there is no alienating bluster or gratuitous bravado in sight, only songs that ring with sincerity and understanding.

Citizen features a number of well-written, tightly played tracks that are likely to fulfill their purpose and connect with a wide audience. "Perfect" opens the album with what prove to be two recurring musical threads: jangly, arpeggiated guitars and Vince Scheuerman's heartfelt vocals, both growing and expanding over the song's four and a half minutes to achieve a powerful momentum. The band explores a variety of tones and textures over twelve songs; while most of the album is guitar-driven, tracks like "Better Run" and "Walking On" derive much of their energy from piano figures. Additionally, while many cuts employ a straight ahead rock vibe, the band proves adept at filtering their strengths through the structure and dynamic of a ballad. A perfect example, "Rise" begins as one of the more subdued moments on the album yet ends as one of the strongest.

The members of Army of Me seem to completely understand their role as citizens of the rock and roll community. With a seamlessly produced and sequenced effort, the band displays it has both the chops and awareness to continue on in their endeavors and make music to be championed by average guys everywhere.