"No Time At All" by Dropline

Dropline is a guitar-driven pop rock band that released a single album, "You Are Here", in 2002. Not sure why they didn't take off like some of their counterparts like Vertical Horizon or matchbox twenty. If you like that style of music, I can't see why Dropline won't appeal to you. 

"No Time At All" is the lead off track and one of their strongest in my opinion, although many other cuts from this record are worth multiple spins.

"Fly Me Courageous" by Drivin' N' Cryin'

Drivin' N' Cryin' formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1985 as a Southern rock band. Their earlier releases had a more pronounced Southern flair, but their 1991 release "Fly Me Courageous" was a no holds barred rocker. The title track performed well, although it didn't break into the mainstream Top 100 chart.

Fueled by the song "Fly Me Courageous" and other rousing singles like "Build A Fire" and "The Innocent", the album went gold and peaked at #90 on the album chart. It would remain the band's biggest chart success despite a steady string of follow-up records afterwards. Not sure why they didn't hit quite as big as a similar band breaking at that time, the Black Crowes.

"Not That Simple" by Dredg

Dredg is a hard rock group that didn't quite stand out above their competition during the naughts, but their music fits well alongside better known bands like The Killers and Kaiser Chiefs.

"Not That Simple" is a slow burning rock song that always intrigues me. It comes from the band's third record, "Catch Without Arms", which peaked at #123 in 2005. The band's subsequent releases left alternative rock behind in favor of a more art rock and experimental sound.

"Rough Night In Jericho" by Dreams So Real

Dreams So Real was a rock trio from Athens, Georgia who almost hit it big in 1988 with their song and album entitled "Rough Night In Jericho". Despite a healthy buzz and lots of airplay, the title track did not scratch the surface of the Top 100, but the album managed to climb to #150.

The album is filled with a lot of other terrific rock tracks, so it remains puzzling why this band didn't perform better on the charts. A truly underrated release you should check out!

"Lazy" by Dreaming In Stereo

Dreaming In Stereo is the brainchild of the talented singer/songwriter Fernando Perdomo. Their debut album arrived in 2010 and is filled with breezy pop rock tunes with captivating melodies. An obvious Beatles influence is heard throughout, with a smattering of E.L.O. as well.

"Lazy" is just one of many standout tracks on this indie band's debut. Be sure to also check out the delicate acoustic ballad, "Smile", and the more upbeat rocker "I'm Not Gonna Move To L.A."

"The Edge Of Forever" by Dream Academy

The Dream Academy woke us all up in 1985 with their breakout hit, "Life In A Northern Town". This tune soared all the way to #7 and was followed up by another fan favorite, "The Love Parade". "The Love Parade", which marched to #36 in 1986, would prove to be the last charting single in the US for this English trio.

Those two top 40 hits came from the band's self-titled album, which managed to hit #20. The record had another potential hit with "The Edge Of Forever", which was also featured on the soundtrack to the hit film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. 

The band's follow-up record, "Remembrance Days" came in 1987. Without a hit single, it petered out at #181.

"Living In A Black And White Movie" by Doubletake

Doubletake is an indie AOR band from Texas who released their album "So Many Roads" in 1993 while still sporting healthy 80s-styled mullets. The record was reissued by Retrospect Records in 2009 and is a nostalgic blast from the past.

"Living In A Black And White Movie" is a standout cut from the record, which intrigues me for having a better pre-chorus than chorus. If it came out a few years earlier, it might have been a hit for the band.