House of Heroes "God"

House of Heroes have been a while, but they're still bringing the thought-provoking and creative lyrics with soaring vocals that made Serial Sleepers a hit.   God is about five questions about different (mis?)conceptions of the creator.

Papel Maché "Hay Tiempo"

Spanish indie-folk group Papel Maché mixes positivity with beautiful music and whimsical vocals.  Sometimes their lyrics (they sing in Spanish and English) are about morning coffee, and sometimes they're straight from the Bible, but they tend to have a balance that comes off as whimsy where others would just sound cheesy.  One of the groups I was most excited to find this year, ¡check out Papel Maché!

Kalben "Sadece"

Kalben's voice is perfect:  a haunting mix that sounds something between French Jazz and Spanish Pop with a backdrop of nice acousticish rock, this song about the complicated love straight gives me goosebumps.  There is some awesome Turkish music out there, and Kalben is probably a great place to start, especially if you're a fan of soulful voices like Lissie or Fleetwood Mac.  

Zuzana Smatanová and Adam Ďurica "Miesta"

Slovakian indie pop rockster Zuzana Smatanová is one of the nicest sounds out of Eastern Europe I've heard, but this combo with pop-folk Adam Ďurica (his soaring but somewhat cheesy pop is somewhere between Kongos and Colbie Caillat) is the most memorable piece I've come across.  It's a song about loss and losing your safe place (presumably a relationship).   Enjoy!  

Mbongwana Star "Malukayi"

So these guys in wheelchairs from the DRC...can say I know much about them, but this jam is a jam.  Chill and dancing on and on.  Thanks to Paste for the rec.

MaNNazz "Mozzarella"

So if you're a fan of Abba or Europop, this song by Lithuanian-based MaNNazz could be your jam.

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."

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.

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.