Chef' Special "In Your Arms"

Dutch group Chef' Special delves into rap, indie, pop, and rock across the spectrum of their broad sounds.  However, like most of the artists on Fueled by Ramen, what sets them apart are heartfelt, thoughtful, honest lyrics.  Check this love song with a twist, "In Your Arms."

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.

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. 

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."

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.

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. 

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. 

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.