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.