Gospel soul hoedowns, hip-pop radio nuggets, brassy ska rides, melodic narrative ballads: Just call Gym Class Heroes your Swiss Army band. United behind Travis McCoy, who rhymes like Eminem with an arts school degree, the band is reminiscent of everything but atypical of nothing. On sophomore effort "The Quilt," the act tops 2006's gold-selling "As Cruel As Children," conjuring Sublime one minute ("Blinded by the Soul"), Chris Brown the next ("Cookie Jar") and then reverently summoning Hall & Oates' Daryl Hall to contribute vocals ("Live Forever"). Everyone plays a part, including inspired guests like Estelle and Busta Rhymes, but the real star is McCoy, who's got the lyrical wit, natural showmanship and effortless mystique of a superstar. If it all seems messy, it isn't. GCH sounds like an American utopia, where everyone coexists joyfully and thrives on the diversity. Perfect for an election year. —Kerri Mason