These days, it’s difficult to turn on the radio without hearing songs about sex, alcohol, or money, and it seems as if music has lost a lot of its value. While it’s true that lyrics don’t necessarily have to make sense, they should at the least convey some sort of message or cause some degree of thought. Why are there so many songs about what goes on in the bedroom or how much is in your bank account? Rise Against’s new album “Endgame” has given me hope that maybe, just maybe the music industry isn’t completely going belly up.

Rise Against formed in Chicago in 1999. Current lead vocalist Tim McIlrath and bassist Joe Principe have been in the band since the beginning, while Brandon Barnes, the band’s current drummer, joined in 2000, and lead guitarist Zach Blair joined in 2006. With albums including “The Sufferer & The Witness” and “Appeal to Reason,” Rise Against has gained popularity, even having songs included in games like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band.” Endgame was released on March 11.

Rise Against can be considered rock or punk, in contrast to the majority of mainstream radio, which is either hip-hop or rap, so there is a level of apples and oranges. But something I love about Rise Against is the fact that there is so much genuine talent. As far as I can tell, there is no auto tune or crazy special effects to boost the quality of the music. Sure, of course there is editing involved, but not enough that it’s noticeable. It is clear in their music that all the musicians and especially singer McIlrath are truly gifted.

One track I particularly like is the song named “Endgame.” Rise Against does a great job tapping into human emotion, and bringing life to our fears. “Let’s shed this unclean skin, and start to feel again, because all the shoulders on which to cry are gone.”

I don’t recommend “Endgame” to those more into easy listening or those looking for music to aide in falling asleep. The music for the most part is faster and emphasizes the traditional ensemble of guitar, drums, bass and vocals. While it may not be “gentle” it really has a level of rock that a wide variety of music fans can enjoy. Rise Against lies somewhere between bands like Red Hot Chili Pepper, which is groovier, and bands like Slayer or Slipknot, which is a lot more intense.

However, Rise Against’s songs can sometimes feel similar, as in the beats and the pitch of the singers voice. There are a few slower songs in “Endgame,” but they still manage to keep their bite.

Overall, Endgame gives listeners a great collection of songs that any rock fan can appreciate. And even though it may not be for everyone, Rise Against really has done a fantastic job with their newest album.