"The O.C." has returned. Marissa has fallen back into Ryan's arms, Summer and Seth have reunited; and Kirsten has learned to just say no to alcohol. No one knows what's in store for season three, but if The O.C. Mix 5 is any indicator, viewers can expect to continue to hear quality, hip music in every drama-filled episode.

From Kasabian's addictive melodies and lush drums on "Reason is Treason" to newly popular LCD Soundsystem's offbeat "Daft Punk is Playing at My House," the disc contains an eclectic set of hits. Relative newcomers The Subways also make an appearance by showing off the band's vocal prowess on the energy-driven opener "Rock & Roll Queen."

Everyone's favorite virtual hip-hop group, Gorillaz, makes its mark on the album as well with the slightly dark tune "Kids With Guns." Maybe this is what Marissa listened to on her iPod before shooting Trey. Part of the reason "The O.C." mixes work so well is because they include a range of songs the characters are likely to listen to.

No "O.C." mix would be complete without a song by Phantom Planet. Mix 5 contains "California 2005," a watered-down version of its theme song "California" with whistling and handclaps. Providing even more diversity to the album is closer Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," a beautifully melodic song with angelic vocals.

A trendy collection of album tracks, The O.C. Mix 5 has no particular sequence or concept, making it a grab bag of carefully chosen singles.

Although "The O.C." is considered a guilty pleasure, listening to its latest soundtrack doesn't have to be.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars