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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.