By Sarah Weller

Yes! The first half of the semester has come and gone, and we find ourselves with two whole days off from school: plenty of time to catch up on TV shows, movies, or even for some homework (yeah, right). But then there are those of you who, like me, want to spend these two days just relaxing and not even thinking about school or any of the above. What better way to spend a measly two days off from school than hanging out at home with some great tunes? Supposedly, music soothes even the savage beast, and many of us will need some good soothing after all the midterm exams and papers that are due this week. These artists will help you rejuvenate yourself for the second half of the semester.

* Disturbed, Believe

Check out the latest release from a band who continues to show more promise in the metal genre. This, the band’s second CD, contains many more vocalized tracks, as well as the new single “Prayer,” a good song for venting aggression which has been in rotation on all the rock stations for the past couple of months. If you liked Disturbed’s first disc, you’ll worship this one.

* Bob Dylan, Greatest Hits

An oldie but a goodie, Bob Dylan’s major hits from the 1960s are still favorites. With songs such as “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” this album is essential to all Dylan lovers. Perfect for mellowing out and deep reflection.

* The Beatles, Revolver

Originally released in 1966, Revolver is arguably one of the best albums from one of the greatest and most successful bands of all time. With the classics “Yellow Submarine” and “Eleanor Rigby,” this album is sure to bring out the Beatlemania in all of us.

* Avril Lavigne, Let Go

Okay so maybe “Complicated” is getting overplayed already, but this chick, who has been classified as “skater-punk,” has much more to offer on her album. Already becoming a favorite is “Sk8er Boi,” the newest single on Let Go. Mixing feisty vocals with guitar sounds, Lavigne, who writes all her own songs, has created an album that is a breath of fresh air for those who are sick and tired of Britney (ugh!) Spears. I highly recommend “Losing Grip.”

* Ludacris, Word of Mouf

Many of you who have just heard of this rapper in the last year or so probably didn’t know that he has released five albums. Ludacris’ vocal style and attention-grabbing beats make this album stand out over others in its category. Word of Mouf is both original and entertaining, with favorites including “Area Codes” and “Saturday (ooh ooh).”