Alessia Cara "Scars to Your Beautiful"

Canadian Alessia Cara brings an honest uplifting pop message with some flow that's pretty sweet.  While her most popular might be "Here," this song is everything that "All about that Bass" tried to be and more as far as accepting yourself is concerned.  Diggin it.

Kesh You "Ризамын"

Nope, don't know what this one's about.  But the vocals are killer, and this is head and shoulders above most Kazakh Pop (There's this Cheep Cheep song...you don't want to hear it), and personally, by far the best that respectable (but sometimes cringeworthy) Pop outfit Keshyou has done.

Taeyeon "태연_ I" (feat. Verbal Jint)

I don't know if I have the heart to correct her English...and saying that I like this more than Katy Perry isn't saying much...but considering that most of the KPop I've come across is boy bands or different kinds of harem-girl bands, this song seems a cut above.  Maybe one of you will like it. 

Sonita Alizadeh "Brides for Sale"

This Afghan teen put up this rap video to try to get out of an arranged marriage.  And it worked; she received a scholarship to study in the US.  And...it's pretty intense in taking on the selling of women in Afghanistan. 

Day 6 "Congratulations"

So I've been searching KPop for a few weeks looking for anything worth recommending.  I can't say I'm overly impressed, but this Imagine Dragons-esque Teen Breakup pop rock is pretty catchy. 

Mutemath "Used To"

Mutemath's always been cutting edge, and their latest, Vitals, is no exception.  While fans of Mutemath's rock sound might be disappointed by their pop/dance funk here, it's defs got some moments of Pop mastery that only bands like Fun. even get close to. 

mewithoutyou "Red Cow + Dorothy"

mewithoutyou continues to make incomparable poetry over emotive and yelled lyrics.  This medley from their latest album should give you chills, and has a little bit of everything they've done well throughout the years. 

Joshua Moss "Bones"

Joshua Moss is an incredibly talented American expat teen.  This indie-worship track is one of the nicest ones I've heard this year. 

Garbanotas Bosistas "The Deer/And Back Again"

Man...I'm trying to avoid posting the same bands twice...but this acoustic Garbanotas Bosistas sounds like Fleet Foxes on steroids...it's gorgeous!  

Ёлка "Море Внутри"

This cinematic Russian pop piece is one of the most gorgeous neo-synth pop builds I've heard in a long time.   Building up with the best instincts of Techno and Sigur Rós coupled with intense lyrics about letting go, this one had me from first listen. 

The Uchpochmack "Lightbulbs"

Zemfira and her two nephews put out a three-song EP in 2013.  This song is the brightest spot on the record, showcasing Zemfira's emotive vocals and some very interesting music.  Check it out!    "There's a time to burn bridges.  A time to look for answers.   And a time to change the burnt out lightbulbs."

Marketa Irglova "Fortune Teller"

 Marketa Irglova's 2011 solo offering mostly left us missing Glen's harmonies.  Muna, however, is avant-garde indie folk with choral and world blends layered over some nice poetry.   "Fortune Teller" is an enchanting track that fuses Arab and Cathedral over a lovely simple poem. 

Matisyahu "Vow of Silence"

Jewish Reggae artist Matisyahu is most famous for the super-positive simple rappish anthems, "King Without a Crown" and "One Day," while his latest album Akeda is more pop-informed although it's got a bit of reggae and gangsta rap in there too.  The indie-sounding "Surrender" is a single that will stick in your head, but I found "Vow of Silence" to be the most interesting confluence of gangster rap  and old testament fathers.

Manchester Orchestra "Girl Harbour"

Atlanta-based Alt-rock Manchester Orchestra's last few studio albums have floundered since the perfection of Mean Everything to Nothing, and while their acoustic version of Cope might not be quite "Wolves at Night" and "Colly Strings" but it's got a lot of the same feel and angst of their first work.  "Girl Harbour" is one of the best offerings from this acoustic rock-scape.  Whereas Cope lost Andy Hull's signature vocals under a hum of reverb and poor mixing, Hope brings things together beautifully.

Juanes "A Dios Le Pido"

Juanes has some of the most masterfully catchy canciones de desamor anywhere in the world outside of Adele.  This is one of my favorite tunes which shows some of his range, a song about how he asks God to always be close to his love, that his mother won't die, that his people would stop shedding so much blood, etc.   :) 

Aradhna "Namaste Saté"

I'm not going to pretend to understand Aradhna completely...but from what I understand, the main guy is a missionary kid who went through an intensive traditional Indian music internship and sings traditional Indian music with a Jesus bent on it.  Since I don't speak Hindi, I'll take their word for it and just enjoy the relaxing east meets west sounds.  :)

Fleet Foxes "Helplessness Blues"

One of the best NW indie acoustic folk songs of all time. 

Татьяна Соловьёва i Александр Блохин "Рэчанька"

Belorusian bard Tatiana Solovyova is hard to track down, but this folk song is a gorgeous acoustic masterpiece and I hope she does another album soon. Free downloads of her 2011 release can be found here at her website. 

Sleeping at Last "From the Ground Up"

It's hard to know where to start as far as recommending something from Ryan O'Neill's prolific genius.  Scratching out a niché as a "mail-order home studio musician" whose music is frequently featured in films and TV shows, his epic concept pieces of the last few years have been filled with gems of beautiful music and poetry.  The bridge from this song is one of my favorites, but there are 20 other songs that could have gotten honorable mention.  Sleeping at Last's cinematic and orchestral swells, quiet tone, and gorgeous lyrics all over Ryan's soft and unique vocal sets this guy's music in a league of its own. 

Helly Luv "Revolution"

Ironically, ISIS put a price on Helly Luv's head (ostensibly), not for her support of the Peshmerga and Kurdish independence, but because she wore a miniskirt.  Helly Luv is a Kurdish nationalist pop star based in Los Angeles who has done crazy stuff like shooting at ISIS and raising money to feed Kurdish soldiers.  Even though her pop isn't something to write home about lyrically or musically, (One wishes MIA would write about something different) the fact is she's using Pop music in a way that is politically relevant and revolutionary in multiple senses of the word.  Disturbing?  Chilling?  Beautiful?  Awesome?  I'll let you decide, but I bet it gives you goosebumps somewhere in there.  (Risk it all is a better song, but Revolution is newer and more interesting, filmed just a few miles from the front lines.)  

Lindforest "Den Dag Du Faller Ner"

Blindside's Christian Lindskog has always had one of the most emotive and beautiful voices in the world.  The combination here of his native Swedish with gorgeous lyrics and a quiet acoustic sound is devastating.  Makes me cry almost every time.  :) 

Sufjan Stevens "Fourth of July"

If you missed Sufjan Steven's haunting comeback album Carrie and Lowell, you missed out.  The haunting personal and ethereal lyrics and music come back together in a powerful way.  "Fourth of July," with its little birds and simple images and synth grabs my heart like nothing else. 

Stavesacre "Gold and Silver"

California Alternative Rock outfit may be done making music, but they're my favorite band nobody's ever heard of, and "Gold and Silver" is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heart.  Stavesacre's unique vocals, real lyrics, and raw emotion set them apart from anoyone else. 

Jennifer Knapp "Neosho"

After coming out and coming back with a fairly mediocre, almost inhibited, Letting Go, Jennifer Knapp seems to have hit her stride again with her new album Set Me Free.   There's a little something for everyone who's been a fan, but so far this Blues track "Neosho" seems to be the best, a perfect little blend of Plains singer-songwriting and soul. 

Son Pascal and Anuar Nurpeisov "Englishman in Shymkent"

This went viral in Central Asia a couple years ago, it's a lighthearted expat love song to his new city and language...it's not every day you hear an Englishman singing in Kazakh.  Of course, the real reason this is on the blog is because, if you've listened to the song through, I know you're smiling.  :) 

Marcelina featuring Piotr Rogucki "Karmelove"

I hope Polish artist Marcelina does more music like this sad sensual acoustic love song.  It's simple, poetic, heartfelt, and lovely. 

Земфира "Итоги"

The rough around the edges Russian pop star Zemfira has an amazing voice and for years was the only Russian pop artist I had found worth listening to.  This song is a wry list of everything that she's leaving behind as she goes, everything from a gigabyte of photos, her funny dog, her dreams, and a million fools.  Like much of her music, it's got some dark undertones, but the poetry balances a tongue-in-cheek with a deep sadness, and her voice rolls through everything with a hidden pain.

Gungor "Us For Them"

As usual, the sound and lyrics and poetic, complex, and original, as Gungor continues to push music and the definition of worship music with their latest album One Wild Life:  Soul.  This is a beautiful protest song against the church's creation of out groups and Us vs. Them mentality. 

Bleachers "I Wanna Get Better"

So in case you're wondering who the brains behind Fun. is...Jack Antonoff's new project Bleachers is full of all the clever lines, huge choruses, and that infectiously disturbing happiness that covers a disturbing sadness/confusion/ambivalence that makes Fun unique.  If this doesn't get stuck in your head, I don't know what will.  :)

The Killers "Deadlines and Commitments"

The Killers latest album Battle Born didn't get the recognition their previous albums as, but the Vegas faux-British Synth Rock outfit is one of the only rock bands I still listen to.  "Deadlines and Commitments" is beautiful, one of my favorite songs of the last few years. 

Adam Sams "Progress"

Adam Sams is a pretty amazing singer-songwriter from Georgia/Califlorida.  His album  Tightwire was one of my top picks for 2014 and this song "Progress" is the most moving track.  Full of emotive lyrics with a unique acoustic folk sound, Adam's got a big future ahead.   

The Sid Shuffle Continental Drift

So for those of you bored of the Cha Cha Slide/Cupid Shuffle, here's a slightly less interesting, but completely catchy alternative courtesy of Ice Age.  I can't promise that you'll like it, but the dance is fun, and it will be stuck in your head.

Yael Naïm "Coward"

French-Israeli Indie Folk lady Yael Naïm is best known for her soulful bouncy "New Soul."  She's got a new album, Older, not yet available in the US.  If you're looking for more bounce and bubble gum check out "Go To the River," but her emotional vocals are best alongside the piano in songs like "Coward." 

Слово Жизнь Youth Worship "Я Склоняюсь"

These guys from Moscow are awesome, by far the most professional Russian-language worship group making music these days.  They're also pretty nice people.  :)

Jars of Clay "Oh my God"

This song just gets me every time.  When I think about all the pain in the oworld, personal and global, when I think about orphans and street kids and emptyness, this song coems to mind.  It's a masterful piece of art from a band that has proved through 20 years of making music that they are one of the best bands around.  Period. 

Kye Kye "Honest Affection"

Estonian-American Dream Pop group Kye Kye's enchanting melodies, yearning lyrics, and catchy tunes will have you humming for days.  Check out Young Love and Fantasize on youtube or at http://kyekyemusic.com/ .

Jamie Horton "Robot Man" (1960 Blast from the Past)

Ever wonder what happened to the little girl who sang "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas."  Well she grew up and sang songs that were even cheesier!  But if this song doesn't make you want to boogie and smile, I don't know what will.  The male equivalent of a Stepford Wife, Jamie Hortons' Robot Man is everything a girl could ask for.  Have a great day!  :) 

Redimi2 and Funky "Yo Soy Así"

Puerto Rican Funky has been the most popular Spanish-language Christian rapper for quite some time, I just came across this massive track along the lines of "I am the way I am and I know who I am."  It's Dominican rapper Redimi2 who really steals the spotlight on this one though.  There's some real talent here.  

Joy Williams "If You Wanna Go"

Before the Civil Wars, Joy Williams put out a few indie pop EPs.  This track and "Speaking a Dead Language" set the bar for the Civil Wars and win my award  for best haunting love songs ever.

Sisters on Wire "Roads"

Lithuanian rock group has pipes to kill for, a great alt-indie rock sound reminiscent of Manchester Orchestra with a tinge of Cold War Kids...this track is really nice. 

Stromae "Carmen"

Belgian star Stromae might be the only thing Dutch and French speakers in Belgium seem to agree on.  His sassy and clever lyrics over original dance music will get stuck in your brain for a while, as you've probably already experienced vía "Tout les mémes," his most accessible dance track.  Personally I love this satirical video for "Carmen," and I would also recommend the intense absent father track "Papaoutai."  With Stromae, be sure to check the lyrics, they're intense and this guy has something to say. 

Judah and the Lion "Hundred Miles"

One of my favorite new worship songs of the year, Judah and the Lion mix the best of Neo-folk with some killer harmonies to make a killer track.  

Holly Arrowsmith "Desert Owl"

New Zealand singer-songwriter is remiscent of First Aid Kit with a little less drama.  Check out a complete album for free download on Noisetrade.

Alina Orlova "Lijo"

Despite not understanding much of what she says, Alina Orlova is a brilliant Lithuanian Singer whose haunting sound will get inside of you.  This is my favorite song of hers "Rain." 

Zach Winters "Give Me Peace and Rest"

Zach Winters' They Were Longing for a Better Country is one of my top albums from the last five years.  The writing is deep, the melodies are complex and heartfelt, and the simple acoustic scape is beautiful and rich.  This song is one of the best.  Buy something at bandcamp, or download most of his best songs as part of a Noisetrade sampler.

Nuteki "Дни Километры"

If you're looking for some fun, upbeat, Russian rock, look no further.  Nuteki is a pretty amazing group who keeps the crowd jumping through the whole show.  They also have some songs in English, but this is their most popular.  :) 

Florence and the Machine "What Kind of Man"

Florence's latest album is a very different tack than her last two offerings.  The gothic seems mostly gone from her signature Gothic Pop, but she's still got the stormy emotoin and original music. 

Josh White "Enclosed by You"

Josh White's beautiful song is one of the best finds of this last year, and his album Absolution is one of the best alternative worship discs of the last few years.  It's also free for download on noisetrade. 

Jesse y Joy "Llorar"

Jesse and Joy's anthems de desamor are some of the best anti-love songs ever.  Their harmonies and simplicity make them one of the most interesting and pleasant Mexican bands to listen to, and this is probably my favorite of their songs. 

Бьянка "Кеды"

This Russian pop star is more versatile than Nikki Minaj and super taletned.  But what I think really sets her apart is her raw emotion that is so rare in pop music.  Her videos are a little trashy, but she's clever and fun, and this song about not wanting to let go gets me every time. 

Garbanotas Bosistas "Above Us"

Lithuanian Band Garbanotas Bosistas combine Radiohead with a bit of soul, freely moving between Lithuanian and English with songs that evolve two or three times during one song and run together seamlessly.  Masterful, fun, and artsy, this is a group worth checking out. 

Buy their music on bandcamp.

Mumford and Sons "Believe"

Mumford and Sons may have arrogantly betrayed their acoustic sound, but the new album Wilder Mind is worth a listen, and this might be the best track. 

Jon Foreman "Terminal"

Switchfoot's lead singer is a master songwriter who might be at his best with his acoustic, quiet, thoughful solo work.   Check out his new project, the wonderlands, including this song available for free download from Noisetrade.

Kathryn Joseph "The Bird"

Saw this lady in Aberdeen last October, looks like she's been doing well since, has gotten onto the BBC at least.  Haunting piano melodies, hurt lyrics reminiscent of Joanna Newsom in a tunnel, Kathryn Joseph creates a beautiful soundscape that will stick in your gut.