Honesty is extremely important in music, and Tony Melonakos handles the task well on his second release and debut full-length album “Beginning the Victory.”

The album, written and performed by the general business administration and pre-law freshman, focuses on the tragic and sometimes comedic value of a young adult’s reality.

Most of it is Melonakos and his acoustic guitar, and among the topics he sings about are idolization of John Cusack, through the eyes of a lonely bench-warmer on a basketball team and obsession with the female form.

None of it is distasteful, but sometimes the lyrics are too obvious or too predictable.

“Night And Day Mares” is a powerful ballad, molding heart-wrenching verses with whimpering strings, while the opening track, “Brad Pitt,” features Melonakos singing about wanting to be the acclaimed actor, while a woman counterpart sings about “wanting to get a piece” of the star. A keyboard pattern in the background also accompanies the package.

“Moviestar Envy” makes good use of talking instruments, where the guitar follows the same pattern as the vocals.

His talent on the guitar is a strong highlight, throwing in some folk influence with a strong rock ‘n’ roll base.

It also features a decent cover of “Jeannie’s Diary” by the Eels and a hilarious live version of the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.”

However, the album does have some drawbacks. Sometimes he gets too close to the microphone and the vocals drown everything out, and occasionally the subjects are almost too lighthearted, but it’s important to take into account it was recorded and produced in three hours - and having fun with it was the point.

This is a great first album by an up-and-coming local artist.

Look for Melonakos performing at the Union’s Noontime shows this semester. For more information on his project, including purchase information, visit www.geocities.com/melonakos or e-mail him at melonakos@yahoo.com.