After a solid album whose only true flaw was a lack of editing (2005's Lullabies to Paralyze), QOTSA return fully trimmed of fat. Era Vulgaris is lean, taut, and surprisingly low on guitar solo freakouts. In fact, it's one of the closest things to a pop album that mainman Josh Homme has done. Even the trademark list of guests has been kept to a minimum. The hooks are more subtle this time, especially for a band with as much jackhammer riff power as the Queens. Drummer Joey Castillo's smartly driven groove is the MVP, providing the disc's no-nonsense, danceable backbone.