絢香 - 手をつなごう Ayaka "Let's Hold Hands"

Ayaka's a gutsy Japanese singer-songwriter who does things like releases songs a capella.  Positive, simple, hopeful, and yearning songs about love and life and being strong that are pop without too much lip gloss.

M.I.A. "Borders"

M.I.A.'s usual style blends the profound, profane, revolutionary, and childish simplicity that could be accused of being the weakest writing anywhere.  However, her work is always controversial, in your face, and thought-provoking.  And of course, the sound is unlike anything else.

Bump of Chicken "Hello World"

So, if you get the feeling that Coldplay's new work is interesting but not quite making the cut, Japanese Pop-Rock group Bump of Chicken is rocking the same tone and doing it much better.  Unfortunately, their producers haven't figured out how to get the lead singer's vocal to sit in the mix, however, if you're into stuff like the Killers, Fallout Boy, and Owl City, the band's blend of rock and synth is a joy, and the unexpected transitions on tracks like "Hello World" should expand the ear of any rock fan.

Julien Baker "Something"

Julien Baker's simple sounds of heartbreak are reminiscent of Birdie, but she's definitely got her own thing going on.  The 21-year old from Memphis has got something special.

Astrid S "Paper Thin"

While some of her other songs suffer from "Europop" cliché syndrome, this stripped down song showcases the young Norwegian's gorgeous voice.  She's going places.

Kenta Kiritani "Taro Urashima: Uminokoe"

So this looks like a song from a Japanese TV show and Kenta Kiritani is an actor.  I'm out of my depth here, and I have NO idea what's he's singing, but especially the beginning of the song with the acoustic and vocals gave me goosebumps, and while the cheese gets laid on towards the end, I'll bet this one makes you smile.     :)   

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.