ALANIS MORISSETTE, 'Underneath' | 'Not As We' | 'In Praise Of The Vulnerable Man' - Flavors of Entanglement

More than a dozen years after the breakthrough debut of Jagged Little Pill, an album which earned four Grammys and spawned a worldwide fan base, Morissette remains an enduring popular artist with a fierce commitment to authenticity. Her latest album, Flavors of Entanglement, was produced and co-written with Britain's Guy Sigisworth (Bjork, Imogen Heap). While hewing to a familiar process- creating songs as snapshots of her life, the Ottawa native found cathartic support during a big transition in her life. (Maverick*Warner)

CITY AND COLOUR (Songwriter: Dallas Green), 'Waiting...' | 'Sleeping Sickness' | 'The Girl' - Bring Me Your Love WINNER

Until a couple of years ago when Dallas Green released his acoustic-based solo project City and Colour, he was better known as the dulcet voice of aggressive rock band Alexisonfire. Bring Me Your Love is City and Colour's sophomore studio album. It evolves and adds layers to the sentiments in those vulnerable moments shared by Green on his original independent release. Instruments and vocals were carefully recorded live off the floor, giving the songs depth and intimacy. It rings with frames of beautiful melody surrounding meaty indie, folk-rock landscapes. (Dine Alone*Universal)

GORDIE SAMPSON (Co-Songwriter: Whitney Duncan/John Shanks, Hillary Lindsey/Steve McEwan, Michael Logan), 'When I Said I Would' | 'Just A Dream' | 'Davey Jones'

A recording artist himself, as well as a producer, Sampson is also now recognized as an award-winning songwriter since young country singer Carrie Underwood recorded his 'Jesus, Take the Wheel.' The No. 1 Billboard hit paved the path to a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Country Song and a 2007 JUNO Award for Songwriter Of The Year. Other high profile songwriting followed with tracks for Bon Jovi, Martina McBride, and again, Carrie Underwood, but all the while Gordie was tucking away songs for his third solo album. For The Few And Far Between is a collection of stories told, of textures woven, and emotions moved. (Warner Bros*Warner, 19*Sony, MapleMusic*Universal)

HEDLEY 'Old School' | 'For The Nights I Can't Remember' (Greig Nori & Dave Genn) - 'Never Too Late' (Greig Nori) - Famous Last Words (Hedley)

There's no denying that Hedley's new album, Famous Last Words, shows an edge, a purpose, and a defined personality that only comes from experience and development. So while the rock band continues its legendary goofball rock 'n roll antics, its music is evolving and maturing to a whole new level. Hedley's 2005 self-titled debut, now almost double platinum, yielded five hit singles; the platinum-plus Famous Last Words debuted at #3, and yielded four singles, 'She's So Sorry,' 'For the Nights I Can't Remember,' 'Never Too Late,' and 'Old School.' The B.C. rockers have sold out headlining tours from coast-to-coast and even landed the coveted opening spot for Bon Jovi's national arena tour, putting them in front of 200,000 people. (Universal)

THE MIDWAY STATE (Songwriter: Nathan Ferraro), 'Never Again' | 'Change For You' - Holes

On Midway State's piano-driven pop/rock debut album, Holes, Gavin Brown was again in the producer's seat. Recorded at Metalworks Studios the album glistens with refined melodies, raw emotion and massive sing-a-long hooks. Perhaps the band's rich pop tapestry has something to do with singer-pianist Nathan Ferraro's synesthesia, a condition roughly defined as an overlapping of the senses. Put simply, Nathan sees distinct colors when hearing sounds and music. What truly sets The Midway State apart from so many other artists is the band's reliance on piano.