Matt Pond PA “The Clivia in the Living Room” 2025
I have been a big fan of Matt Pond PA since PureVolume days and I would obsess over his song “New Hampshire” over 20 years ago. His latest album ‘The Ballad of the Natural Lines’ is truly a beautiful record and within it lies his most heartbreaking song to date, “The Clivia in the Living Room”, which plays like a track from the film Wristcutters: A Love Story and is some of the most intimately heartfelt instrumental music I’ve ever heard. The guitars sound almost broken and distant, while the lo-fi recording adds a perfect sense of longing. Overall this track makes me feel like I’m on the edge of losing someone or something and this song will be all I have to remember it by.
The Antlers “Consider the Source” 2025
When ‘Hospice’ finally caught on in 2009 it not only changed the lives of the members of The Antlers, but it also changed indie music as a whole. The Antlers have since released 4 full lengths and though they don’t hold up to ‘Hospice’, their latest effort, ‘Blight’, opens with their most beautiful track since their ‘Hospice’ follow-up, ‘Burst Apart’. The relaxed nature of the piano on “Consider the Source” leans into intimacy and Peter’s vocals are always the standout. The minimal percussion elements add a layer of warmth and the production value isn’t too much to bear. Overall, this track is a beautifully composed song that buries its emotions into your ear canals, and ultimately, your heart.
Chat Pile & Hayden Pedigo “The Magic of the World” 2025
The magic of the world is surely displayed through “The Magic of the World”, a new track in acoustic form with ragged and depressed vocals by Chat Pile’s frontman, Raygun Busch, and the supremely talented fingerpicking of Hayden Pedigo. This collaboration shines brightly within this relaxed atmosphere that they create. “Until the world ends” is sang so desperately you can feel the call to arms. The acoustic guitar is mixed perfectly within this unique track, and it keeps its rhythm throughout. This is one of those rare songs that you can play on repeat all day, and usually those tracks are interesting but not too interesting in the sense that you have to think too much. This song allows the listener to not think at all and just be.
Kieran Hebden & William Tyler “Secret City” 2025
For a song that is 8 minutes long, “Secret City” by Kieran Hebden & William Tyler goes by in a blink of an eye. The opening translates to an electronic roar and then when acoustic guitar shows its weary head the track turns on a dime and becomes one of the most beloved acoustic-rock tracks of the year. The strumming is well balanced and the tone of the guitar shines. The backing guitar is reminiscent of post-rock in theatrical value and plays an important role in moving the track along the relaxed tight rope it plays on. You can truly feel this brilliant album coming to a close within the depths of this track and it wraps it up perfectly with a bow.
Keaton Henson “Performer” 2025
Keaton Henson has created some of the most intriguing emotional ballads of the last 15 years and his latest full length effort, ‘Parader’ allows us to experience this monumental journey of hopelessness. The final number, “Performer” features brilliantly crafted keys and unabashedly depressing lyrics like “I just need a little time to cut myself in two / I’m lonely, how are you?” and one of my favorite lines of the year, “I’m full of holes / So I fill them with hopes / that I might leave behind someone better than me.” Overall the emotional chords and vocals that sound strained and broken add to the immediate impact and groundbreaking intimacy. This song serves as a poignant reminder as to who Keaton Henson is and who his music serves.
Radical Face “From Time to Time” 2025
Ben Cooper of Radical Face has been one of my favorite musicians since his days in Electric President and his new album ‘Mixtape #2’ opens with an incredible mix of electronica and indie-pop. “From Time to Time” features key notes that match the singing and the production value is extremely high, especially during the instrumental sections. The percussion is driving, lean, and doesn’t pack a punch too hard to handle. It is reminiscent of his ‘Family Tree’ days and serves as good reminder that Cooper will always be an indie -pop hero and electronic wizard.
Loney Dear “Alain.” 2025
Loney Dear has been creating masterpieces for over two decades and there aren’t many musicians I am personally more excited to release a new album than I am when Loney Dear drops. His upcoming full length ‘Making friends is easy’ comes out early 2026 and features the single “Alain.” Opening with an intimacy and the atmosphere of a recluse, the pianist is barely hitting the keys and the background noises make for an expressive backdrop. Then once the percussion enters and the track picks up steam, you know you’re in for a treat, and then Emil sings “I can walk a straight line for you” and you feel the emotion and sadness buildup and flow through your veins.
Mogwai “Luqa Airport” 2025
Mogwai have been behemoths in the indie-rock industry for over 20 years and their chilling loud/quiet dynamic has shifted post-rock into mainstream rock. The Scot’s have tackled another original score, this time it being ‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’ for Netflix. “Luqa Airport” is a relaxed, minimal track with a glorious undertone and marvelous bassline. The emotional atmosphere is purely built on an intensity that instrumental music has on our spirit man. It’s like I can feel each pluck of the guitar, even has soft touched as it may be. This track may not be as expansive or expressive as some of their other material on this soundtrack, but it is unequivocally the most satisfying.
Big Thief “No Fear” 2025
Big Thief are one of those bands that have a lot of filler but when they pen a killer song, it makes the entire album worth listening to. “No Fear” is a perfect example taken from their otherwise middle of the road, ‘Double Infinity’ album. The infinite songwriting style within “No Fear” beckons back to what made them an indie mainstay. Lenker’s vocals paired with the ramshackle percussion and never ending flow provide a perfect balance of rhythm and harmony. “There is no fear, mind so clear, mind so free” is one of my favorite lyrics of the year since it displays a certain intensity while being sang so relaxed, and written so simply. I’ve listened to this song more than any other in the last month or so and it’s been a stellar backdrop for traversing around NYC and LA.
you, infinite “Throughlines” 2025
you, infinite is made up of members of the post-rock band This Will Destroy You, who are known for their cinematic and grandiose style of rock. Some of their songs are included in films at the most vital scene and they set the stage for the unbearable emotion within. Their new project is indecipherable from their main outfit, but that is not a knock on them. Their new project’s loud/quiet dynamics are thoughtfully rendered and beautifully executed. “Throughlines” is a masterclass in post-rock for 2025. The guitars crunch, build and break and the percussion is played in a majestic performance. If you catch This Will Destroy You live you may see them play a few of their new you, infinite tracks much like I was able to experience.
Teethe “Push You Forever” 2025
If Garden State came out in 2025 then they would have most likely used a Teethe song on the soundtrack, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was “Push You Forever”. The relaxed and melancholic atmosphere are reminiscent of The Shins. When I first heard this song I thought they may have been on the Double Double Whammy imprint but once I realized it was released on Winspear, it all made sense. The intimate setting and gorgeous soft vocals conclude that this track is a slow burner. The guitars are beautifully composed and the tone is on point.
caroline “U R UR ONLY ACHING” 2025
caroline’s sophomore album ‘caroline 2’ is a masterpiece and one of the best albums of 2025. Their track “U R UR ONLY ACHING” opens with voices stating the title and a guitar that sounds like it’s being played in the room with us. The production then proceeds to grow and expand the sound to a very original level of intensity. This band is dialed in on a number of different frequencies. The song then just abruptly stops and changes back to the same tone as the opening and once the track picks up steam again it collides with the best use of auto-tune I may have ever heard. “In an old bar when I’ve heard it all before” is one of the most magical examples of music I’ve heard this year.
PAID “Fallen World” 2025
PAID has a new electronica album titled ‘Fallen World’ out now and the title track is brilliantly produced. The ambient dynamics create a dreamy atmosphere akin to Boards of Canada. The beautifully composed piece breaks down and crumbles into itself then opens back up with a vengeance at every turn. It’s a wonderful display of creative prowess and allows for the listener to get lost in the mix. The ghostly vocals serve as a reminder of the title “Fallen World” and are expansively expressive throughout the track in a minimal but deep and meaningful way.
These New Puritans “I’m Already Here” 2025
These New Puritans have created a beautiful song with “I’m Already Here” which opens with a wonderful glockenspiel and layered synths, and emotionally heartfelt vocals. The layering allows the track to breathe and the angelic background vocals add intimacy and assurance. The piano sets the mood and brings the track to a wonderfully arranged moment of brasses and theatrical beauty. The songwriting is cinematic and bleak but serves the purpose of filling a void. The 6 minute runtime makes the song feel grandiose with a heightened sense of self whilst listening.
Gem Club “Garlands” 2025
Gem Club have been creating captivating ballads since their inception 15 years ago, and even though they have only crated two full length albums since then, they have released a new EP titled ‘Garlands’. The title track is mystifying and expertly audible. The piano bursts in and quietly exudes emotion even when the keys are not being hit and you can hear the creaking. Songwriter Christopher Barnes vocals are angelic and pure, allowing for the listener to interact with the primitive beauty. The falsetto is gorgeous, and adds a touch of grace to a divinely graceful track.
Gordi & Soak “Lunch At Dune” 2025
“At some point it all stops” is a recurring lyric within one of the best songs of this year, Gordi & Soak’s “Lunch At Dune”. The way the stanza is sang with the vocal effects is one of my favorite parts of a song this year. The vocals are perfectly produced and mixed within the indie-pop track. The chorus is exquisite and extraordinarily composed and pulls the listener back and crushes them. The vocal stanzas really play well off the reverb in the production value. The lush parts that make up the track really balance out the directness in the songwriting. The way it ends with the harmonies is a really beautiful touch that increases the likelihood of the listener replaying the track.
caroline “Coldplay cover” 2025
caroline’s second studio album is the closest thing I’ve heard to Akron/family and that is something I’ve been searching for, for years now. “Coldplay cover” is unbelievably original and instantly hits a nerve. The authentic beauty bursts through with the guitar strumming and vocal patterns. The production is brimming with original talent. The way the London 8 piece weaves together patterns of musical fortitude and exchanges the pop structures that maintain modern music is remarkable. “You never really get that far” sounds like it’s being sang in another room and is intimately connected to the songwriting. For an experimental 4 minute track, this is just about as good as it gets, and not even the legendary Coldplay would break free to create something of this magnitude.
Slow Joy “Do I Wear You Out” 2025
“Life’s never as good as the good times” sings Esteban Flores of Slow Joy, and he means it. This sentiment carries weight within the almost 3 and a half minute runtime. The track buries itself in emotion and wonderfully composed songwriting. The guitar is perfectly suited for the production and the expansive sound lends itself to rock with an emo flair. The uplifting cadences and melodies explore a chorus driven escape. The background screaming during the “wear” singing is expertly mixed and sounds like it’s being screamed inside my ear but from afar. This track is some of the best rock of the year and with a rock resurrection, that’s saying a lot.
Arcade Fire “Pink Elephant” 2025
Arcade Fire are one of the most talented acts to come from the early oughts and they haven’t taken their foot off the neck of rock music since their inception. Their new album ‘Pink Elephant’ is due May 9th and the self-titled track is exemplary and majestic. The chorus “take your mind off of me a little while” is beautifully sang by Win Butler and his declarative nature to write the most awe-inspiring music of our age hasn’t taken a back seat to anyone. The instrumentation has post-rock features and alt-pop tendencies. “Now it’s all irrelevant, don’t think about pink elephant” is stated with an almost aggressive tone that feels bold and personal.
Alexander Biggs “digital clock” 2025
Alexander Biggs is influenced by Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, and for good reason, as he channels his inner tortured artist to create the beautifully sound “digital clock”. You can hear the natural expression of emotion through the production value within the sub three minute runtime of one of the year’s best tracks. The acoustic guitar is magically lifted once the reversed sounds break in the intro and once Alexander’s voice commands our attention it becomes known that this is going to be melancholic. “Last one to jump, first one to land, crumbling up, squeezing your hand, pillar of salt, castle of sand” is such a graphic image of collapse and in that moment in the track, it is the most effective he’s been on this glorious song.
Nathaniel Rateliff & Gregory Alan Isakov “Flowers” 2025
Folk rockers Nathaniel Rateliff and Gregory Alan Isakov have teamed up to create the masterpiece single, “Flowers”. The duet layers and soft strumming create a strong foundation that encompasses the yearning that this song holds deep in its bones. The song slowly builds up to a point of excitement and exhaustion that blurs the lines between folk and raw rock in an understated way with post-rock guitars and prominent songwriting chops. The sadness is conveyed with the heart-on-your-sleeve approach and Bill Callahan-esque vocal lines. The sound of “flowers mixed with leaves”.
Mogwai “Fact Boy” 2025
Scotland’s Mogwai ends their latest full length album ‘The Bad Fire’ with the cinematic masterpiece “Fact Boy” which glistens with jittery keys, backing post-rock guitar, brooding synths and mainstay percussion that equips the band to intimately connect with the listener. The overall atmosphere of the track is reminiscent of past Mogwai, which is always a great thing, and conveys a unique but often sprawling sound that defies logic. The incredibly heartfelt backing arrangements bury the listener in a washed blanket of deep sadness. If there is one band I never want to retire, it’s Mogwai.
David Gray “That Day Must Surely Come” 2025
“Lord, how sweet it is sailing around that river bend” is gently sang by David Gray over a perfectly crafted acoustic guitar performance. David Gray has been creating incredible pieces for over three decades and it seems as though he’s not stopping anytime soon. “That Day Must Surely Come” is easily one of my favorite pieces from Gray in years as it is simply composed but perfectly balanced and the nuances add to the emotional effect it has on the listener. This is music to get lost in and feel feels. The deep bass is shockingly present and expertly produced.
Sun Kil Moon “Writers Write” 2025
Sun Kil Moon’s Mark Kozelek is my favorite living songwriter and his latest full length album under the near perfect Sun Kil Moon moniker, ‘All the Artists’ ends on an absolutely glorious note with “Writers Write”. “I write like a mad man, but I ain’t no mad man, I’m a content man” is a line that Mark sings touchingly. He sings about William Faulkner, John Steinbeck and John Connelly and how he writes about similar themes which they never stray from. His “friend Dave” performs all the piano parts which Mark says remind him of ‘Hill Street Blues’. The songwriting matched with the piano and the synth with the relaxed beat that comes in is bulletproof and expressively composed beauty. This song has the quality to go down as the best song of the year, since the almost title track single “All the Artists in L.A.” was our song of the year in 2024, and it’s nearly impossible to state which is stronger.
Mogwai “Pale Vegan Hip Pain” 2025
Mogwai have once again cracked the code on the genre they helped pioneer, post-rock. “Pale Vegan Hip Pain”, which was described to me as “words that don’t go together” by my brother, and easily the most uncommon song title of the year, is a angelic, and emotionally heartbreaking piece of music. The guitar licks go brilliantly with the relaxed nature of the percussion. Mogwai are the best instrumental band of all-time and this song comes over 25 years after they made their way into the hearts of listeners worldwide. Their tenacity and unique style of songwriting is captivating in all the right ways. This track could easily be played on repeat for hours and would serve as a clear example of a song that doesn’t need vocals to express the mood they are conveying.
Matt Pond PA “Connecticut” 2024
I remember the first time I heard Matt Pond PA on PureVolume and I was blown away by the indie-pop goodness. “New Hampshire” was named one of our 1,000 Best Songs, and for good reason since it’s still a regular spin. “Connecticut” follows suit with its state named title and the lyric “you can take the kid from Connecticut, but you can’t take the cut from the kid” is one of my favorite sang lyrics of the year. During the second half of the track, when it’s being repeated, it sounds like Win Butler of Arcade Fire. This is truly a feel-good classic right off the bat.
Arliston “Monks of Lindisfarne” 2024
Arliston utilize speak singing and heavily produced falsetto to create indie-rock magic. Their single “Monks of Lindisfarne” carries the weight of the world on its shoulders. The gorgeous guitars and well maintained songwriting give perspective and the percussion is applied like a bandage. Post-Rock backing guitars and glorious melodies wrap you up in a blanket of hope. The auto-tune vocals that end up he track provide a modern and realistic take on indie-rock.
Leo Bhanji “Lung” 2024
Leo Bhanji was born in LA but raised in London and it’s the perfect combination for this alt-pop dream. “Lung” is taken from his Dirty Hit released EP, ‘Shell’. It has hints of his Dirty Hit counterparts, The 1975, but with more indie charm. The sputtering and bouncy synth that underlies the track perfectly balances the UK songwriting style. “If I miss you, I don’t know if I could reach you, I don’t know if I could keep you around” is basically an emo lyric with electronic flourishes used as the production. This is a sublime use of independent music techniques.
Christopher Owens “White Flag” 2024
Christopher Owens has created some incredible tunes with his band Girls, but he has since shifted focus onto his solo project, and with that sense of focus he has written ‘I Wanna Run Barefoot Through Your Hair’ which is the long player released this year. “White Flag” is the standout here, with its effortless songwriting and beautifully lo-fi production techniques. His influences are worn on his sleeve and the outcome couldn’t be more personal. “Hatred in your heart, you hate me in your heart” is sang with intimacy and exhausted emotions. The percussion includes perfectly timed rim shots and relaxed snare taps. “But if I died, if I was dead, would you want your beloved again” is a grim question to ask, but an important one.
proun “Water From Your Sink” 2024
proun’s ender on the ‘podium’ EP, “Water From Your Sink” opens with some of the most beautiful production and songwriting of the year, with the emotional bassline, softly sang vocals and then breaks open into an emo style rock track. The percussion pushes the song forward until it falls back into that intimate style. The heart-on-your-sleeve signature style overcomes the usual tension and allows the listener to feel more comfortable and relaxed as the song progresses. The guitars bridge the song back to the emo style with brooding instrumentals and clever rhythms.
Tiny Moving Parts “Waterbed P.2” 2024
Tiny Moving Parts latest full length album ‘Deep in the Blue’ ends with “Waterbed P.2” which opens with guitars reminiscent of prime blink-182, then it maneuvers into an incredible emo track full of emotionally charged songwriting, expressive lyrics and perfectly produced screaming. The percussion rejuvenates the sound and the rim shots lead to the incredible chorus performance. The bridge features an almost math-rock style with post-rock guitar elements.
Into It. Over It. “Bandelier” 2024
“We ate a handful of mushrooms and walked the length of Bandelier” are lyrics within the new Into It. Over It. track “Bandelier” and though the track isn’t psychedelic in nature, it is extremely captivating and beautifully composed. The rock production is perfectly suited for the emo songwriting. Each section of the song serves a distinct purpose and the bridge before the 3 minute mark masterfully glides into the end, which is one of the finest moments in music this year.
Coldplay “ALL MY LOVE” 2024
There has been no chorus I’ve found myself singing as of late more than “ALL MY LOVE”, taken from Coldplay’s 10th full length effort ‘Moon Music’. “You’ve got all my love, whether it rains or it pours, I’m all yours” is such a catchy and beautiful phrase. The production glistens with gorgeous piano, and Chris Martin’s vocals are dialed in. The song then floods with wonderful string arrangements, and creates a perfect pop-leaning sound that heightens the current Coldplay experience and harkens back to a time when they were creating albums full of songs as glorious as “ALL MY LOVE”.
Winter Aid “Dragging a Church Up a Hill” 2024
Winter Aid have cracked the instrumental code with their perfectly crafted song “Dragging a Church Up a Hill”. Even the title is realistic and well conceived. The track itself features the best piano work I’ve heard all year and the atmosphere it creates is second to none in a year filled with many exemplary instrumental pieces. The emotion laid out in this track forgoes all the drama and storytelling that lyrical content would bring to the forefront and relies solely on the mind to conceive what this track truly represents. It’s unabashedly one of the most satisfying instrumental pieces I’ve heard all year, and it only grows with each continued listen.
Sun Kil Moon “The Great Meadow” 2024
Sun Kil Moon’s single “The Great Meadow” features a beautiful piano-ballad style and incredibly inviting lyrical content about fishing, and San Franciscan culture. Mark Kozelek’s voice is magnificent and warm, even with his baritone speak-singing style. It’s a song that reminisces about the past and how it’s sad that it’s no longer what’s in sight. “Going to the pier would make my day, it was like a friend I could depend on” sings Kozelek before he states “now it feels like I’m visiting one of my best friend’s graves.” The mood is bleak but magical and the intimate songwriting lends its hand to your soul.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds “Long Dark Night” 2024
Nick Cave is one of the greatest living songwriters and his latest album, ‘Wild God’, with his backing band The Bad Seeds is groundbreaking gospel. “Long Dark Night”, which is featured on the record as track 8, is unbelievably well written and beautifully composed. The chorus “maybe a long dark night is coming down” is the best chorus of the year and it makes me feel like I’m on top of the world, in the prime of my life, but something is ahead, something mysterious in the night.
Petey & Owen “Home Alone House 2” 2024
Petey and Owen, also known as Mike Kinsella of American Football fame, have crafted a truly magnetic version of an already electric song. They have managed to tame the sound and allow for intimacy to strive. “I think my sanity’s dependent on my brain being limited, yeah” is one of my most repeated lyrics of the year in my mind. A truly gorgeous track with distant vocal melodies drifting over the incredibly arranged acoustic guitar. The post-rock backing guitars provide a gateway to the final stroke of the strings.
Snow Patrol “All” 2024
“All I know is holding you is all is ever want to know” is one of the greatest moments in music this year. The way Gary Lightbody sings that lyric is mind blowing and such a relief from where the world currently sits. Snow Patrol have been able to captivate an audience unlike most bands for decades and Gary has stated that this new album, ‘The Forest Is the Path’ is his personal favorite work he’s put out with his act, Snow Patrol. I was already excited but now I am on a whole other level. The songwriting is tamed but marvelous. The production is crisp but intriguing. The layered vocals allow for an anthemic release. A sound to behold.
WHY? “Marigold” 2024
WHY?’s latest full length ‘The Well I Fell Into’ opens with the wonderfully produced “Marigold” which features magnificent string arrangements paired with lo-fi atmospherics and beautifully crafted piano. Yoni Wolf’s incredibly expressive lyrics force the listener to listen to the words and what they convey. Yoni’s “last stop… you gotta get off” section is brilliant in its catchiness and originality. Yoni has always been a master of the lyrical style and rhythm and “Marigold” is a perfect representation of how talented a songwriter Yoni has been for the last two decades.
Sun Kil Moon “All the Artists Live in L.A.” 2024
Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon has been a San Francisco resident for decades and now he lives in Orange County, CA with the love of his life Caroline, near her family. His new single “All the Artists Live in L.A.” reminisces over SF and speaks not spending as much there any more. Los Angeles is the premier hub for artists of all kinds, much like SF used to be. The piano is gorgeous and masterfully arranged. Mark’s voice is blistering with nostalgia and markedly more honed in than when he’s basically reading from journal entries. This song demolishes all notions of where music currently stands and allows for a deeper understanding of what songwriting can be. “Everything is closed, Nordstrom’s is where I used to buy my clothes” touches on the abysmal democratic leadership of SF and how many shops are closing due to rampant crime. He also praises LA which comes as somewhat of a surprise since he has never been the biggest fan of the city. He sings about fishing and walking on Sunset Beach, which is a beautiful way to spend time, especially there. There’s not a song that has been released this year, outside of “One Day in May”, which is also by him, that captivates in a majestic way and leaves the listener pinned to the idea that music can change your mood and affect the choices you make in life.
Drusky “Wasted” 2024
Guitars and string arrangements have the ability to create an admirable musical landscape when done right, and with “Wasted”, Drusky have cracked the code. Featuring perfectly effected vocals and modern production value without the bells and whistles that make it sound too polished. The songwriting is heart-on-sleeve and may come across a little burdened by the “I don’t believe in love” sentiment, but the track allows for the listener to find optimism ahead, especially with the wonderfully crafted instrumental bridge.
Hovvdy “Angel” 2024
Hovvdy have been crafting lo-fi acoustic-rock since 2016 and they have finally reached their peak. “Angel” taken from their self-titled album is quiet but speaks loudly about their mission and delivery. It opens with a perfectly produced guitar with easy going finger picking and lo-fi backing production value. The vocals allow to the listener to delve into heart-on-sleeve songwriting with a life jacket.
The Reds, Pinks and Purples “Faith in Daydreaming Youth” 2024
The Reds, Pinks and Purples biggest influence seems to be The Smiths, and with his track “Faith in Daydreaming Youth”, he creates a lo-fi landscape with songwriting that rivals Morrissey’s, with a penchant to craft an impeccable song filled with emotion and passion. The guitars swirl and blister as the backing production continues to glide along while maintaining an exquisite pastoral collage of “Evergreen and true blue.”
Sun Kil Moon “One Day in May” 2024
Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters fame is a polarizing figure and most notably known for his sad-core folk-rock and his incredible journalistic songwriting. “One Day in May” is a testament to the myriad of creative talents Mark is able to remind us he is capable of on a yearly basis. The voice-over samples within this track add to the independent songwriting mindset Mark has maintained over his lengthy and impressive career. “Some people are dog walkers, some people are movie star stalkers” he then goes on to explain how he is a professional talker, a professional singer, and a lyricist. This insight is just and important to music because I’ve never heard it done before. “Jerry Springer was known for Jerry Springer, but me, I’m a professional singer” is an interesting lyric but poignant and well stated. The guitar is important to the track since it serves as the backdrop, and it is gorgeous in its rhythm and pattern.
Owen “Penny” 2024
Owen, better known as Mike Kinsella of American Football fame, is an incredible acoustic guitarist and emotionally intelligent songwriter. “Penny”, taken from his latest full length album ‘The Falls of Sioux’ is a wonderful take on indie-folk, with charming vocal arrangements and beautiful instrumentation. The outro is wonderfully atmospheric and gorgeously detailed. When he is singing “You’re so soft spoken, you might blow away” it’s honestly one of the most beautiful moments Owen has had in years.
Devon Welsh “Stranger” 2024
Devon Welsh has had our favorite album of the year twice in two tries and his latest album ‘Come With Me If You Want To Live’ is a marvel. The electro-rock track “Stranger” opens with a wonderfully produced synth that may sound simple in theory but it is full of life and wrecks you as it progresses. The lyrical passage “Ah, what a day, oh, look what God has made” is currently my favorite lyrical part of the year so far due to the authentic emotion behind it. The drums sound massive, with a sort of stadium quality while maintaining a sense of intimacy. Devon Welsh really opens up his array of musical talent within these 3 and a half minutes. The production quality throughout is outstanding and really mimics what Devon Welsh has been able to accomplish with his solo project, as well as with Majical Cloudz, his former band.
Tourist “Memory Morning” 2024
Tourist has his their peak with “Memory Morning” the last track from their latest full length album with the same name. This title track is expressive in so many ways with minimal vocals. The percussion is relaxed but offers a lot of intensity, and the synths guide the track to a perfect focal point, which is the synth lead and one of the best produced synth pads I’ve heard all year. The chopped vocal samples and arpeggios groove through the electronic dust. This is a track you can drive through the mountains to, or next to the ocean and feel like you’re the main character in a reminiscent to ‘Drive’. The distant percussion that ends the song is very similar to KC Accidental, the Canadian duo who became Broken Social Scene, and is the best produced percussion part released so far this year.
samlrc “The Beauty of the Present Moment” 2024
samlrc has created quite the epic debut album with ‘The Lonely Sinner’ and the final song we hear is the ambient masterpiece “The Beauty of the Present Moment” which eclipses any film score original we’ve heard this year. Though there is no imagery set to this gorgeous instrumental, we can relate on a very personal level due to the expert songwriting and authentic sound wherein. Overall, the arrangements melt into each other and the bassline provides a deep sense of relief. The lo-fi electronica is extremely memorable here, and allows for the listener to reminisce, due to the resonance created within the pristine production value.
The Six Parts Seven & Goodmorning Valentine “12 Hours” 2024
The Six Parts Seven & Goodmorning Valentine have crafted a timeless album with ‘Kissing Distance’ and their song “12 Hours” is wonderfully written and beautifully recorded. The guitar is perfectly crafted with tone and presence. The vocals are sang with a depth of heart on sleeve emotion. At 3 and a half minutes runtime, this a track I can listen to on repeat for a long, long time. The way this track makes me feel is unlike any other this year, as it swirls the melancholy emotion in me and maintains a dramatic response from within.
The Six Parts Seven & Goodmorning Valentine “Instrumental 2” 2024
The Six Parts Seven & Goodmorning Valentine have teamed up on the expansive and breathtaking full length ‘Kissing Distance’ which features the brilliant “Instrumental 2”. The song opens with a perfectly toned guitar riff and then the simple but effective percussion is introduced. The feeling this track gives is pure joy and melancholy. The lead guitar then sweeps the track off its own feet and wears its heart on its own sleeve. This song could play during the end of an adored drama series and the fans would be crying their eyes out. The outro is beautifully executed with precision even though it is masterfully ambient and organically composed.
flowerpot & seeyouthere “Long Drive” 2024
flowerpot & seeyouthere have collaborated on the perfectly repeatable track “Long Drive”. This song could be an hour long of the same thing over and over and I would gladly get lost in it. The lo-fi production quality is destined for greatness from the first moments of this exquisite performance. The guitar tone is the best of this young year and the mood this song delivers begs to be heard. Overall, “Long Drive” makes for a melancholic listening experience that sticks with you well past its 2 minute runtime.
PAID “Inner Peace” 2024
PAID, which is the solo endeavor of Steve Maurer of Wisconsin by way of Alabama, just released his self-titled debut album and the second to last track, “Inner Peace”, is modern music in brilliant electronic, emotional packaging. The relaxed atmosphere and energy the beat driven track gives off perfectly underscores the sound PAID has forged. The synths are wonderfully composed and beautifully produced. The backing sounds bring the track to a top tier level and allow for the listener to get comfortably lost in the mix. This is a song I can play on repeat for a long, long time and not only never get sick of it, but it grows on me with each additional listen.
Jamie xx “It’s So Good” 2024
If you can say one thing about Jamie xx’s latest single “It’s So Good” it would be, “it’s so good.” The UK-garage sound mixed with techno attributes and jungle vibes, while maintaining a great sense of original production, makes this the top electronic track so far this year. The bridge is unbelievably well crafted and something you do not expect at all. Put your windows down, turn this all the way up, put the pedal to the metal and you’ll be in for a treat.
H.R. Mullin “Leafdrop” 2024
H.R. Mullin is James Lambrect of Austin, Texas and his formula of cinematic rock with post-rock and metal integration is extremely captivating. The colorful reality he creates with wonderful production elements and vocoder styled vocals is brilliantly executed. “Leafdrop” is taken from his debut album ‘New Pilgrim’ and includes gratifying post-rock guitars, wonderfully charged percussion, with the drumming style being reminiscent of some of the best indie-rock. The atmosphere he creates is beyond anything we’ve heard in the first few weeks of 2024 and will certainly hold the test of time.
Fust “Battering Ram” 2024
Fust have released ‘Songs of the Rail’ which is a collection of early demos and its chock full of glorious songs but the real standout here is “Battering Ram” which could have been written in the 1970’s or the 2020’s. The simple percussion is beautifully tracked and the vocals have a way about them that makes them feel close. The guitar is brilliantly composed and the tone is wonderfully crafted within the production value. This is a feel-good song that isn’t too happy or too sad, it’s the perfect balance between the two.
There Will Be Fireworks “No Christmas Bells” 2023
There Will Be Fireworks already have one of the best albums of the year in ‘Summer Moon’ and out of nowhere they come out with the best original Christmas song in years. “No Christmas Bells” is a masterpiece with its perfect piano composition and incredibly well produced sound. The vocals shine on the same level as the best moments on ‘Summer Moon’ and break my heart in two. This is the first song of the year that gave me tears on first listen, and I immediately started breaking it down to potentially cover it, as it’s too beautiful to not make my own in some small way. The post-rock guitars and orchestral arrangements are some of the best I’ve heard all year and the bells sound like they’re outside the window with Christmas carolers.
Tiny Skulls “Brilliant Things” 2023
Scotland is back with more of some of the best musicians in indie-rock like they have been for years, with the likes of Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai, The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit, among many others. Tiny Skulls’ album ‘Songs from Some Depressing Movie’ opens with the brilliant “Brilliant Things”. The acoustic guitar is perfectly suited for the indie-rock stylings they present here. The backing synths are gorgeous and layered throughout. The vocals add a dense layer of contrast and detail, while the backing vocals do justice of their own. This is a perfect song void of any real percussion and it’s not lacking in the least bit.
Lichen Slow “Hopeless Cause” 2023
Before Lichen Slow, Malcom Middleton gave the reigns to his band mate and chief songwriter Aiden Moffet of Arab Strap. Now that he’s started his own project with Joel Harries it’s his time to shine bright and with “Hopeless Cause” he’s shone brighter than most this year. The chorus here is absolutely breathtaking and wonderfully composed. The instrumental’s are bright but not too overbearing and the songwriting is very detailed and wonderfully executed. The expression here is among some of the best of the year.
glass beach “rare animal” 2023
The stylized in all lowercase, glass beach, have a new album on the way titled ‘plastic death’ and it features their best track to date in “rare animal”. The percussive rock elements have a very intriguing way about them and the guitars are almost math-rock. The mind blowing section and one of the best moments in music this year is when the song comes to a dead stop and then erupts with the line “thinking about you” which makes Frank Ocean’s song seem amateur in expression. The overall feeling of the song is uplifting but there are sections that bring me to my knees.
There Will Be Fireworks “Holding Back the Dark” 2023
There Will Be Fireworks are one of the biggest stories of the year with their return to form after their last full length effort was a decade ago. Scotland churns out some of the best indie-rock and “Holding Back the Dark” proves just that. The guitars soar and reach for new heights and the percussion is quick to capitalize on the time lost. The vocals are expertly crafted and the songwriting is gorgeous. When the title is sang it opens the heavens and allows for a burst of light to take over the track with the beautifully composed arrangements. For being just under 6 minutes, the track flies by and feels like it was a 3 minute banger.
Beirut “Regulatory” 2023
The first time I heard the final number on Beirut’s sixth album, ‘Hadsel’, I listened to it six times in a row because I couldn’t get over how gorgeous it was. The way “Regulatory” opens reminds me of a traditional church intro and the horns are incredibly well written and performed. The folktronica side of it, with the drum machine beat, makes for a simple but impressive percussive baseline. Zach Condon’s voice sounds as good as ever here and the way he plays off the instruments is wonderfully achieved. This is the perfect way to end his album and his best song in over 15 years.
Knocked Loose “Everything Is Quiet Now” 2023
There is no band I want to see live right now more than Knocked Loose. Their new two track single is impressive to say the least. “Everything Is Quiet Now” is a powerhouse of aggression that cuts deep. From the erratic opening with screaming and growling to the overtly violent bridge and extremely heavy guitars, the track expands before you have a chance to take a breath. The “everything is quiet now” section is mindblowing and articulate on a level I have not heard in metal music in some years. The melodic outro really shows how far into each spectrum this band can be successful.
Kevin Drew “Party Oven” 2023
Kevin Drew, of Broken Social Scene, has his upcoming solo album ‘Aging’ announced and with the single “Party Oven” the relaxed atmosphere, emotional songwriting and gorgeous production value really expands on his music and gives us a unique melancholic feeling. The lyrics “the best is the best, do you need to ask why?” is a wonderful representation of his extremely talented and capable writing style. The piano is perfectly composed and the backing sounds add an element of depth. I haven’t personally been more excited for an album this year as I am for ‘Aging’ which he says shares the same qualities as his best work with Broken Social Scene, “Lover’s Spit” and “Sweetest Kill”, and so far, he’s not lying!
MONO “Lucia” 2023
MONO, the Japanese instrumental post-rock band, has released a new EP titled ‘Heaven Vol. 1’ which opens with the otherworldly and perfectly executed “Lucia”. The opening production is gorgeously edited and makes for a remarkable introduction to a perfect track. The guitars repeat and swell over well maintained percussion appropriately mixed above the backing guitars that make for an excellent base. At the 3:42 mark the track then adds an exquisitely smooth sounding lead guitar that has a siren effect. Listening to this song while riding a bike at night with closed eyes is unlike anything I’ve experienced this year on a cerebral level. The second half of the song then takes a different approach that breaks the song wide open and exposes all the guts. The percussion picks up in all the right ways and it catapults “Lucia” to a new realm. The explosion of sound allows the listener to get completely lost in the track after the enamoring and comfortable first half.
There Will Be Fireworks “Classic Movies” 2023
One of my favorite bands, There Will Be Fireworks, is back after waiting for a new original track since 2013. Their new single “Classic Movies” incorporates well balanced guitar licks, strong drums and gorgeous Scottish accented vocals. It really picks up steam at at 2:20 mark and then drops back into beautiful intimacy and a wonderfully managed build-up at the 2:50 mark before exploding into an array of rock instrumentation which utilizes perfectly toned guitars and loud, emotionally charged vocals.
Hayden Calnin “We Lost Sight of the Shoreline” 2023
The opening of Hayden Calnin’s track “We Lost Sight of the Shoreline” is Hayden’s rugged vocals along with a gorgeous guitar. The production value is very high and allows for the intimacy to shine through. When Hayden sings the title, it’s a really gorgeous moment that highlights the beauty of the track. The rim shots in the backdrop and backing vocals really add another layer of complexity that brings the song to a higher level. The final scene of the song is vocally reminiscent of Justin Vernon, from Bon Iver fame, and has an authenticity to it that’s derived from Hayden’s wonderful songwriting.
The National “Space Invader” 2023
The National are back with set of new singles which includes the longer than usual release “Space Invader”. The 7 minute runtime is something we’re not used to hearing from The National and it’s a pleasant surprise. The piano and percussion are mixed wonderfully and the backing production is superb. Matt Berninger comes out swinging with some solid lyrical passages. The vocals blend beautifully with the songwriting within the first 3 plus minutes or so. The second half of the song is exquisitely produced with the arpeggios and build up that starts with a gorgeous slow burn and bursts into an epic stadium ballad that could bring a lifelong National fan to their knees.
Kevin Drew “Out In The Fields” 2023
Kevin Drew, who is best known as the frontman and mastermind behind the Canadian supergroup Broken Social Scene is arguably the greatest frontman of the last two decades and is back with a new solo long-player effort titled ‘Aging’. His first single “Out In The Fields” is a wondrous, emotional experience. The production quality is top tier and the vocals are crisp and expertly composed. The songwriting is very much in line with what we’ve come to expect from him and equates to sheer beauty. “Baby, you’re the best, you know you’re the best, you beat all the rest” resonates within me deeply and is a well sang lyrical section. The synths and backing tracks are well placed and also navigate the song towards an extremely positive direction.
Angelo De Augustine “I Don’t Want to Live, I Don’t Want to Die” 2023
Angelo De Augustine, whom is most notably known for collaborating with Sufjan Stevens on 2021’s angelic ‘A Beginner’s Mind’ has released his new solo album ‘Toil and Trouble’ which includes the gorgeous “I Don’t Want to Live, I Don’t Want to Die”. The vocals are extremely reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens and it sounds like it could’ve been taken from ‘A Beginner’s Mind’ but that does not mean its any less wonderful because it is exquisitely beautiful on a deep level. The arrangements swell with intimacy and the production value is top notch. The “I don’t want to live…” chorus is truly breathtaking and the way he is wholly inspired by his collaborator Sufjan is something to behold, since Sufjan created some of the most wonderful albums of the last twenty years.
1017 ALYX 9SM & Ethel Cain “Famous Last Words (An Ode to Eaters)” 2023
The backing sounds mixed with the incredible guitar tone that opens 1017 ALYX 9SM & Ethel Cain’s “Famous Last Words (An Ode to Eaters)” marries brilliant production quality with a wonderfully honed in vocal performance from Ethel Cain. The track is melodic and melancholic, while retaining unique undertones. When Ethel Cain says “over and over and over again” and then the synth lead comes in, it’s pure perfection. This is one of the saddest songs of the year and easily one of the most beautiful.
Lost Under Heaven “The Return” 2023
Lost Under Heaven have a new EP titled ‘Towards the One’ that includes the beautiful, “The Return”, which isn’t so much a return to form, but more, a return to brilliance. The track has a very accessible way about it while still incorporating Ellery James Robert’s signature vocal croon. The chorus is pop-rock catchy and overall the song is written with a high caliber and grows on you with each listen. The lyric “There’s a God-shaped hole in every seekers soul” is one of my favorite lyrics of the year and resonates with me deeply. The percussion used here is indie-rock styled and performed perfectly. The production value is very high, especially regarding the mix of the elements and how the arrangements are structured.
Valories “The One” 2023
It would be heartbreaking to have “the one that got away” and have to live with it. That’s seemingly what Valories, born Riley Nicole Buck, has to deal with and her song “The One” is indebted to that former flame. The production value is extremely high in this piece as the synths serenade and the percussion is perfectly reverberated and echoed. Valories’ vocals are beautifully executed and bring forth a swell of emotions. I have listened to this track more than any other in the last few weeks and can’t stop playing it. For a 3 minute runtime it certainly feels like it could last another 3 minutes or more and has a wonderful feel and sound to it. When she sings “I wanna love you how you dream to be loved” it impacts me on a cerebral level and is one of the most angelic moments in music this year.
Matthew and the Atlas ‘Nineteen’ 2023
Built around one of the most memorable riffs of the year, Matthew and the Atlas, which is the solo effort of Matthew Hegarty has created a brilliant but simple acoustic-rock song that proves he is a songwriter to be reckoned with. The production elements he layers on top of the riff are brilliant. The synths have a wonderful ambiance to them and the bleeps and bloops give the song an electronic edge. The vocals are exactly what this song calls for, not too whispery or overly complex but organically raw and sang in an authentic range. The way he sings “it’s not me, to lose my way so easily” is mesmerizing and demands the song to be repeated.
Nick Webber ‘Ghost Variations’ 2023
‘All the Nothing I Know’, the debut album by Nick Webber opens with the gorgeous and instantly stunning “Ghost Variations” which is reminiscent of some of the best emo acoustic-rock from throughout the last 20 years. The vocals are genuine and not overly produced or too dramatic but hold wonderful intimacy within. The acoustic-guitar is played extremely well and flow’s abundantly throughout. The production value is among the best I’ve heard this year and takes a right turn at the 3:40 mark down a more lo-fi portal that allows for the song to expand like a heart beating.
I Am Dive “Mirror Brain” 2023
I Am Dive have snapped on their track “Mirror Brain”. The synths are absolutely perfectly suited for the composition and once the beat comes in, you know it’s going to be special. The lyrics speak on the internet-age and how people rely on their phones and fact-checks instead of their own brains and critical thinking abilities. It’s a great way to send a message through an incredible form of art. The vocals stand on their own two feet and the arpeggios create a dynamic atmosphere that begs to be turned up.
Julie Byrne “Moonless” 2023
Julie Byrne’s last effort ‘Not Even Happiness’ was strong in its own right but nothing could’ve prepared us for the beauty that her latest album ‘The Greater Wings’ holds. “Moonless” is extraordinarily well conceived and produced. Baroque-pop tendencies throughout this track really bring it to a level that modern music doesn’t really contain. The string arrangements are otherworldly and the best I’ve heard all year. Julie’s vocals are like velvet and extremely gorgeous, especially within the loud whisper and when she states “I’m not waiting for your love”.
Sigur Rós “Blóðberg” 2023
Sigur Rós are finally back with a new single titled “Blóðberg” after 7 years and it opens with a cinematic feel reminiscent of something you’d hear on the ‘Moneyball’ soundtrack. Jonsi’s vocals are as gorgeous as ever and the arrangements really allow for him to express himself through sound wonderfully through the sweeping orchestral rock piece. The pushing and pulling of the strings are gorgeous and well mixed. It certainly doesn’t feel like the song has a 7 minute runtime as it goes by extremely fast. This occurs especially if you’re in a mood of reflection and/or melancholy. Needless to say, I am extremely excited for what is to come from this legendary, one of a kind band.
Califone “comedy” 2023
Califone has created this masterpiece track with the 5 minute “comedy”. It’s unrivaled in the sense of baroque-pop from a modern perspective. The piano is perfectly balanced within the realm of the theatrics. The vocals are ragged and raspy but still full of soul. The brasses are clear, crisp and full of life. “The absence of faith is a chemical affliction” is one of the best lyrical moments of the year. Tim Rutili, who is the mastermind behind the Califone moniker enlists some perfect backing vocals and the guitar sounds mixed wonderfully. The highs and lows of the songwriting are all high in caliber and only low in a way of bringing you to a lower realm, which can be extremely relaxing and satisfying, especially when he asks “are you my enemy?” which is the most beautiful moment on record that I’ve heard from Califone.
Brevin Kim “It Was Nice To See You” 2023
The brothers Brendan and Callin Paulhus that make up Brevin Kim have a truly remarkable approach to modern music, and the opener “It Was Nice To See You” on their latest full length effort ‘High School Football’ explores that wonderfully. The track has a unique effect on the listener with the gorgeous acoustic guitar, angelic strings, and the modern well produced beats. The almost emo, alternative styled vocals really add to the sound and create depth. The backing sounds and production techniques are strong and give yet another layer to this beautifully designed song. Adding the deep, growling synth bass to close the song really takes it out on a high note.
The Album Leaf “Breathe” 2023
Jimmy LaValle of The Album Leaf is my favorite current electronic music producer and for great reason. His latest full length ‘Future Falling’ features the minimal piano based beauty “Breathe” which has by far the most emotionally compelling and powerful piano arrangement of the year. The minimal electronic additions he adds throughout the just shy of six minute runtime really add to the depth of the track and allow for this to be the perfect backdrop to a film or life’s most innately intimate moments. This song makes me feel everything from a more glorified and personal perspective.
Sunnsetter “At the End of the Day” 2023
Sunnsetter whom have my favorite album of the year so far in ‘The Best That I Can Be.’ are so emotionally charged and perfectly capable of creating a melancholic masterpiece give us “At the End of the Day”. This track is part The Album Leaf and part Sigur Rós, who notably collaborated together. The title resonates with the music therein by coming off as a perfect song to drown out all the noise of the day behind us. The acoustic guitar is incredibly beautiful and the overlapping synths provide an atmosphere of harmony. The vocals are cathartic and are not to be understood, but are used merely as an expression of understated instrumentation.
The National “Once Upon a Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens)” 2023
The new album by The National, which I had the pleasure of listening to at the album release party, opens with the glorious “Once Upon a Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens)” which incorporates gorgeous, emotionally led piano arrangements and minimal backing synths. It then leads into Sufjan Stevens incredible backing vocals which is a certain highlight of the album. “Is this how this whole thing is going to end?” asks Matt Berninger in a wonderfully sang moment on one of the strongest albums of the year so far. The vocals on this track are extremely strong and though the songwriting and lyrical content may not live up to ‘Alligator’ or ‘Boxer’ era, it’s still better than almost all modern musicians.
Hayden “Window Washer Blues” 2023
It’s been a decade since Hayden had to dispel rumors of his death and he’s back with a new album titled ‘Are We Good’ and the piano driven, film score styled “Window Washer Blues” would fit perfectly on the Jon Brion produced ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ soundtrack. The piano is the best I’ve heard all year and is nearly impossible not to play on repeat once it gets driven into your head and your heart. It’s essentially about playing outside with his kids and coming to a sort of realization. The backing creeks really add to the intimacy and I’m glad he left those in as they create a more organic sound that matches the perfectly mixed orchestration.
Sunnsetter “In the Ocean” 2023
Sunnsetter has a magnificent new album out titled ‘The Best That I Can Be.’ that features the song “In the Ocean” which is a well toned acoustic guitar, layers of production and gorgeous melodies. The repeated “in the ocean” lyric drifts and sways underneath swirled beautiful instrumentation. The backing guitar underneath is really spectacular and the piano adds depth and an intimate feel to an already melancholic track.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness “Submarine” 2023
Andrew McMahon has completely hit his stride on track 4 of ‘Tilt At The Wind No More’ his latest full length effort. “Submarine” is a brilliant display of electronic beats, emotional poetic lyrical content and gorgeous vocals with repeated echos spilling into the background. The production quality is incredibly well done and sharp as a tack. The overall effect of the song is uplifting while maintaining a melancholic edge.
Manchester Orchestra “Capital Karma” 2023
Manchester Orchestra is Andy Hull’s brainchild and his vocals are so original in tone and harmony. The latest album ‘The Valley of Vision’ by the rock outfit is intimate in nature and less rock oriented, relying heavily on piano, especially on the opener “Capital Karma” which features overlapped vocals, gorgeous production value within the keys and synths, and a beautiful outro of a falsetto voice. The repeated sample that sounds like it was recorded on an answering machine really adds to the texture and beauty of this track.
M83 “Radar, Far, Gone” 2023
Anthony Gonzales of M83 is back with a new album ‘Fantasy’ and the stand-out track “Radar, Far, Gone” is a slow burner with gorgeous intimate vocals. The acoustic guitar shines brilliantly throughout the 4 minute runtime. The piano perfectly encapsulates the emotion needed to bring this song to the high level it achieves. This may be the most complete song in M83’s eclectic electronic discography. The songwriting is indie-rock in nature and comes across as a piano ballad which is absolutely breathtaking.
The National “New Order T-Shirt” 2023
The latest single by The National, “New Order T-Shirt” opens with a beautifully produced acoustic guitar and Matt Berninger’s classic vocal style before adding layers of percussion and backing synths. The percussion then picks up a bit and you can hear pretty backing vocals from Mina Tindle. The songwriting sounds closer to mid-oughts The National than their previously released electronically centered first single, “Tropic Morning News”. The bridge has a wonderful minimal feel and helps direct us to the later half of the gorgeous track. Overall, this is extremely exciting because it gives way to what is to come on ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’ which happens to be our most anticipated full length release of 2023.
The Reds, Pinks and Purples “3rd Flower” 2023
The Reds, Pinks and Purples have released the ‘Dust in the Path of Love’ EP and it features the unbelievably gorgeous instrumental “3rd Flower” which includes perfectly produced guitars with magnificent tones and backing synth pads that lay the groundwork. The way you can get lost in this instrumental is remarkable and worth repeated listens that pay you back tenfold. ‘3rd Flower’ really makes you ponder and look within, as do the best songs, and there’s something special about how lo-if it comes off while retaining sublime production quality.
Sun Kil Moon “Black Perch” 2023
Mark Kozelek is my favorite living songwriter and for great reason. Most of it has to do with what he has done through his Sun Kil Moon solo project and since he has a new song for the first time since taking 2022 off, I am immensely drawn to his glorious performance. “Black Perch” features his gorgeous acoustic guitar, second to none songwriting and the strongest vocals that currently exist. He has toned down the diary-style approach and leaned more into his intimate story telling. He speaks on fishing, Raymond Carver and being out of work, and it nearly brought me to tears the first time hearing it. This is unquestionably some of the highest end songwriting that is taking shape in 2023.
Beth Orton “Friday Night” 2022
Beth Orton self produced her latest album ‘Weather Alive’ which being a musician who produces their work makes me respect her on an entirely different level than artists who enlist producers to do the dirty work. Her song “Friday Night” is perfectly produced and the songwriting is gorgeous. The percussion has a wonderfully simple beat and the the synths and vocals provide glorious arrangements and melodies. The lyrics “forgot that we’d wake up and it’d all be real, it’d still be real” is such an emotional experience and with repeated listens it really unravels.
Will Sheff “In the Thick of It” 2022
As the piano opens track two on ‘Nothing Special’ by Will Sheff, the chief songwriter and only constant member of Okkervil River, you instantly know that this is something very special. As soon as he starts singing and the songwriting takes shape, it’s brilliant and beaming with life. The baseline is well done and the backing vocals really add to the intimacy. Adding in the acoustic guitar really brings more life to the track and soon you’re so enthralled in its beauty you can’t help but smile, or cry.
Lambchop “So There” 2022
“So There” taken from ‘The Bible’ by Lambchop is an incredible piano ballad with almost speak singing vocals with a bit of auto-tune, a shaker with reverb and a wonderfully produced click that sounds like windshield wipers used for production purposes. The clap that comes in at the end really adds value to the production value and overall the song brings out so much emotion. The lyrics “to be civil, to be gentle, to be honest, to be kind” are very inspiring and make me want to utilize them to help become a better person and a song that makes you want to do that is extraordinary.
Greg Dulli “I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m a Star” 2022
One of my favorite current songwriters, Greg Dulli, has taken on the ‘Purple Rain’ classics “I Would Die 4 U” and “Baby I’m a Star” which Prince penned. The former being written from the perspective of Jesus to His followers, and the later is one of the songs Prince performed during the Super Bowl halftime. Greg Dulli has captivated the listener by bringing these two songs together to form one incredible cover. The guitar tone and keys are perfect, the vocals soar and crack in all the right places. The shaker is mixed noticeably loud and is essentially the percussion element in the song, though it works beautifully. The strings glide through the song in a gorgeous manner and make the song feel exhilarating.
Smidley “In Poor Taste” 2022
Smidley is Foxing’s Conor Murphy, and in his own right, he is a great modern songwriter as we’ve seen from his main band. His latest solo album features the gorgeously produced “In Poor Taste” at track 7, which includes emotionally driven strings, intimately recorded guitar parts and simplified but perfectly placed percussion. The reversed strings, and guitar picking intro is a killer way to open such a beautiful song. The standout vocal parts have to be the scream-singing that brings the song to a level not seen by anyone in 2022.
S. Carey “Where I Was” 2022
S. Carey, who is also the drummer of Bon Iver, is force to be reckoned with, and after reviewing his incredible album ‘Break Me Open’ it’s impossible not to keep coming back to the gorgeous track “Where I Was” which is just devout songwriting at its core. “If you judge, please don’t judge me from where I was, but if you must, please do, judge me from where I am” are superb lyrics and an incredible ask from someone who can pen a relenting ballad. The vocals are perfectly produced with light effects and the reverb really catches at all the right times. The guitar tone is brilliant and very intimate. The highly effected backing vocals that end the song bring out something wonderfully experimental and fresh.
Oceanator “Morning” 2022
Great post-rock may seem like a thing of the past, or a forgotten genre, but every so often a band churns out a number that not only captivates but is ethereal and inspiring. Oceanator have a new album titled ‘Nothing’s Ever Fine’ out on Polyvinyl and the opener “Morning” is blissful and extremely well produced post-rock. It may only clock in at just over 2 minutes which makes for a perfect intro, but it’s impossible to ignore the beauty it holds, which begs to be replayed time after time. The guitar tone is brilliant and the repetition really draws you in. Overall it’s a perfect way to open an album and as a standalone track, it’s some of the best instrumental rock of the year.
Field Medic “Stained Glass” 2022
The first time I heard a snippet of Field Medic’s “Stained Glass” was the “when the light hits” section on the Run for Cover Records instagram, and I was automatically floored. I knew for a fact I was going to love the song and now that I’ve listened to it on repeat for a while, I can say it’s easily one of the strongest songs of the year and the best Field Medic song to date. The acoustic guitar is gorgeously played, the backing guitars are mixed perfectly and the synths really add to the depth of the track. Field Medic is Kevin Patrick Sullivan and his songwriting is usually pretty strong but he has gone above and beyond on this track, including some of my favorite lyrics in “I know this ain’t God punishing me”. The way he sings that part is unbelievably gorgeous, and timeless. The percussion picks up the song halfway through and he speak sings repeated lines that really add to the intimacy of the structure. This is a song that demands repeated listens and only grows and grows on you with each one.
The Afghan Whigs “Please, Baby, Please” 2022
Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs is one of the best songwriters of our time. He’s majestic with his lyrical value and his vocal arrangements are sheer beauty. The new album ‘How Do You Burn?’ features “Please, Baby, Please” which incorporates a relaxed percussion pattern, lo-fi organ and gorgeous guitar licks. It demands repeated listens and it only grows on you which each one. His scruffy vocals and evocative singing style instantly puts you in your feels. His solo album ‘Random Desire’ was my favorite album of 2020 and this track is equally as brilliant as the best tracks on his solo effort.
The National “Weird Goodbyes (feat. Bon Iver)” 2022
The first single from the upcoming album by The National started out as just a beat and has evolved into a full blown indie-rock slow burner featuring Bon Iver on backing vocals. The piano adds an element of intimacy and really makes it sound like a proper song by The National. The vocals are crisp and well produced, and the lyrics may not be as perfect as ‘Alligator’ and ‘Boxer’ years but they are very strong in their own regard. As Matt tells us to “move forward now” and speaks on his “windshield crying” you can tell this is a very emotional output from arguably the strongest band in music of the last 15+ years.
Sylvan Esso “How Did You Know” 2022
Sylvan Esso have a new full length titled ‘No Rules Sandy’ and the standout track is “How Did You Know” which features one of the best beats of the year. It may sound simple at its core but it’s full of substance and the soft spoken vocals really add to the intimacy. The pulsating synths that form the structure of the song really come alive once the bass sets in. The hi-hat then sets it apart with the build up and repeated vocals allow for you to get lost in the song. The end of the song happens to be my favorite part due to the way it all comes together flawlessly.
Cass McCombs “Unproud Warrior” 2022
Cass McCombs has created a wonderful listening experience with his song “Unproud Warrior.” It instantly has a classic feel and seems like it will stand the test of time as well. The songwriting is perfection and a grand tale of a military soldier. The percussion is blues inspired and the production value is very high but not too polished wherein it takes away from the intimacy. Cass’ vocals really stand out and shine throughout the 6 and a half minutes runtime. The stringed instruments come alive near the middle of the track and bring in the second half of the story. He goes on to explain writers who had their masterpiece published at a young ripe age. The chorus sticks in your heads even though it is not deemed “catchy.” This is top notch, quality songwriting and encapsulates an era of soldiers in a very beautiful way.
Wy “High Score” 2022
Wy are a duo with a new 3 song single. The centerpiece is the brilliant “High Score” which features perfectly produced guitars, simplified masterful song structure. The opening guitar is reminiscent of Frightened Rabbit. The vocals build and explode like a firework in the sky. “I’m the sequel in the trilogy” is a thoughtful lyric that could mean many things and it makes me think, which I love. The songwriting is some of the best we’ve seen this year by anyone. The post-rock end captures the essence of where the song was headed and begs for you to come back for more. It is a replay-able song on so many levels.
Stars “Snowy Owl” 2022
It’s great to know that Stars are still making records, as they have been putting out quality music for over two decades. They are part of the Broken Social Scene supergroup and their latest full length sounds as if it is going to be their best in since the mid 2000’s. The final number “Snowy Owl” of their upcoming album ‘From Capelton Hill’ is a slow burning acoustic track with an intimate approach and wonderful vocal melodies. The acoustic guitar is recorded brilliantly and has a beautiful tone to it, that matches up with the orchestral arrangements. I can envision this song being the perfect ender on this album.
David Gray “The Arc” 2022
David Gray is one of the most talented songwriters of the last quarter century and his latest single “The Arc” certainly does not disappoint. The gorgeous production value matched with the alluring vocals bridge the gap between rock and pop seamlessly. The overrally output of music he has developed is otherworldly and this new single really shines with the gorgeous piano, background sounds and distant vocals. The way he sings “Now I’m burning” really pulls you in and allows you to feel the burning inside that he so desperately speaks on.
Bloc Party “Of Things Yet to Come” 2022
Bloc Party are an indie-rock giant and their latest full length album ‘Alpha Games’ includes the divine “Of All Things Yet to Come” which includes a perfect guitar riff, modern rock percussion and strong vocals from songwriter, Kele. The bass line that comes through in the second half is amazing and fits the glittery guitars wonderfully. There are highly valued touches throughout, like the echoed parts mixed in the background, as well as the Bono-esque falsetto outro. This is the most beautiful song from ‘Alpha Games’ as well as the strongest song they have released in years.
The Smile “Skrting On the Surface” 2022
The last song on the upcoming debut album by The Smile, “Skrting On the Surface,” sounds more like Radiohead than recent Radiohead. That’s because The Smile is made up of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood who are the prominent members of Radiohead and they have even enlisted their trusted producer Nigel Godrich for this project as well. Overall the single is gorgeous and restrained. Jonny’s guitar glows and Thom’s vocals are absolutely incredible in their own right. Tom Skinner’s percussion fits beautifully within the songwriting as well. The production quality is extremely high end but not too polished and adds to the dramatic effect of the track.
Kurt Vile “Chazzy Don’t Mind” 2022
Kurt Vile, the odd, awkward, indie-rock musician who has written some modern classics has a new album out titled ‘(watch my moves)’ and the tenth track is perfect indie-folk-rock. The lyrics cover his thoughts of skateboarding while walking, and how his teapot “sings in a beautiful falsetto.” The instrumentation is exquisite in its simplicity and has an appealing accessibility for modern indie-rock. The harmonizations throughout and that end the song are sang much stronger than I’ve come to expect from Kurt Vile.
Thom Yorke “5.17” 2022
Thom Yorke has created an expansive yet minimal beauty with his new song “5.17” as the piano’s production is gorgeous and his vocals deliver on every level. It’s honestly what’s come to be expected by one of our modern great singer-songwriters. The intimacy truly reverberates throughout the 4 minute runtime and the ghostly ambience adds to the layered sadness.
Bear’s Den “Shadows” 2022
In what is the most intimately gorgeous song of the year comes Bear’s Den’s “Shadows” which is awe inspiring and grandiose. There is no song I have listened to more this year and for great reason. The singing is perfection and the production value brings out the beauty of the percussion and synths. The strings add to the dynamics and the repeated piano part is wonderfully repeated. The chorus just hugs your heart and demands for a repeated listen.
Dashboard Confessional “Young” 2022
Dashboard Confessional have finally reached the acoustic high-high of the early 2000’s with their new song “Young.” It is picked and produced incredibly and carries a lot of weight for being such a minimal song. The singing is crisp and intimate. The emotion explodes from the speakers in the most soft way. The question Chris Carrabba so desperately wants answered is “will you be my heart?”
William Ryan Key “Union Chapel” 2022
William Ryan Key has created an exquisite ender with “Union Chapel” which finalizes the ‘Everything Except Desire’ EP. The pretty piano opens the track and then Ryan’s heartfelt vocals begin. The synths are produced wonderfully and the strings really bring out another dimension of the emotion. The production quality has a Jon Hopkins style to it and with repeated listens you can hear the quality of the beat work and the layers of electronics. A truly gorgeous effort.
40 Watt Sun “Behind My Eyes” 2022
40 Watt Sun’s latest album of dreamy sadcore indie-rock contains the brilliant “Behind My Eyes” which is the closest I’ve heard to a Red House Painters song in two decades. The songwriting is skilled and the production is equally as important. The singing style grows on you with each listen and the guitars are wonderful in tone and approach.
Our Lady Peace “Temporary Healing” 2022
Our Lady Peace have released ‘Spiritual Machines II’ 20 years after ‘Spiritual Machines’ and the ender “Temporary Healing” is absolutely gorgeous and produced wonderfully. The percussion perfectly fits the songwriting and vocals. The guitars have a great tone and the synths are mixed top notch. Overall the song gets caught in my head continuously and makes me listen to it throughout the day.
Pedro the Lion “Stranger” 2022
Pedro the Lion has been making breathtaking music for over two decades, and his new album ‘Havasu’ contains the perfect “Stranger.” The songwriting is the best I’ve heard in 2 years and it details youth at a roller rink. The nostalgic feeling it pushes through is intimate and deep. The production value is exquisite with its superbly produced percussion elements, and guitar tone. The vocals are real and raw and not too effected. I haven’t heard such an emotional song in some time and it rewards with each repeated listen.
Field Guide “Sparks (feat. Dizzy)” 2021
Field Guide has covered Coldplay’s debut album ‘Parachutes’ in full and what an amazing experience it has been listening to his take on “Sparks.” The baseline is perfectly recorded and the percussion production matches the songwriting perfectly. Field Guide has enlisted Dizzy to sing backup vocals and the output they have created is intimate and gorgeous. An incredible cover.
American Football & Miya Folick “Fade Into You” 2021
Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” is one of the strongest written songs of all time and the seminal emo band American Football headed by Mike Kinsella have taken it on headstrong. They have enlisted Miya Folick who recently sang a duo with Petey. The cover is grandiose and maximum beauty. The effort is recognized from all parties and the production is classic American Football, so there’s no complaints there. Mike’s voice really shines here, as he has full control over the emotion and intimacy.
Sun June “Colors” 2021
“Colors” is the most intimate and expressive song Sun June has on their latest LP, ‘Somewhere’ and it’s for good reason they chose to keep the best for last. The waves in the background, the gentle acoustic guitar and the gorgeous piano are all mixed perfectly. The subdued singing style plays off the songwriting perfectly. The lo-fi nature of the track really adds to the overall outcome.
Parannoul, Asian Glow & sonhos tomam conta “Insomnia” 2021
Insomnia is not fun to experience but “Insomnia” by Parannoul, Asian Glow & sonhos tomam conta is an emo powerhouse. The buildup of fast paced beats to the climax with the splendid vocals really shines bright, the percussion is produced wonderfully and the guitars ring true to the songwriting style. The overall effect is arguably the greatest emo song of 2021 and is undeniably important.
Beach House “Over and Over” 2021
Beach House have officially reached the perfection of ‘Teen Dream’ with the understated beauty of “Over and Over” which is taken from their upcoming double album ‘Once Twice Melody.’ The synths are produced very high end and Victoria’s vocals shine. What’s most thrilling about this track is the outro that demands to be played on repeat over and over.
Casper Skulls “Stay the Same” 2021
Casper Skulls have released an album ‘Knows No Kindness’ and the ender “Stay the Same” is a very intimate and well executed number that encapsulates the album in a really honorable way. The piano sounds fragmented and the vocals have a strength behind them that really add to the effect. The beauty within this tracks begs to be experienced and really makes you feel like you are part of their journey.
The National “Somebody Desperate” 2021
The National are one of the greatest current bands and their new soundtrack number “Somebody Desperate” is a slow burner that grows on you with each listen. Matt’s vocals are beautifully baritone and restrained. The gorgeous build-up in instrumentals really adds to the feeling the song evokes. The piano is intimate and produced wonderfully, and the songwriting is amazing as usual.
Casper Skulls “Monument” 2021
Casper Skulls open “Monument” with simple percussion that seemingly drives the song forward. Once the exquisitely produced guitar comes in you then realize this is going to be a song to remember. The gorgeous vocals then bring the songwriting to the forefront, and for a moment it all drops off except the drums like the opening. Then the insanely amazing chorus comes in and blows the lid off the whole thing.
Nation of Language “A Word & a Wave” 2021
Nation of Language easily has the best arpeggios of the year. The expressive and brilliant “A Word & a Wave” is a shining example of the clearly perfectly produced synths and the dramatic electronic beats really add to the final result. A beautiful take on modern electronica with a slow burn vocal take.
David Gray “Laughing Gas” 2021
“Laughing Gas” is one of my favorite songs of the year, as the piano is intimate and glorious. The way the vocals match the songwriting is perfect and on another level in terms of music this year. David Gray is truly a timeless talent and one of the greatest creators of the the last 20+ years. I consistently stay inspired by his works and he’s had an unprecedented premier music for the second time this year.
Sam Himself “The Missing” 2021
“The Missing” taken from Sam Himself’s latest album ‘Power Ballads’ is a brilliant slow burner with a bright and twinkling chorus. The vocals have a similar style to Matt Berninger of The National but not quite as baritone. The result is gorgeous and the production value is extremely high. The synths are perfectly balanced to the simplified beats. The effected strings and arpeggios really add to the strength of the track.
Sylvie “Falls on me” 2021
Sylvie’s single for their upcoming self-titled EP is an instant classic in its conception and gorgeous in its inner workings. It would sound amazing on vinyl or in a television show set in the past. The songwriting is very strong and the opening vocals floor me every time I hear them. The instrumentation is exquisitely written and produced.
Saint Etienne “I Remember It Well” 2021
“I Remember It Well” by Saint Etienne taken from their new album ‘I’ve Been Trying to Tell You’ is production perfection and exactly what I love about instrumental music. It’s pure unabashed beauty, with the voiceover samples and found-sound. The guitars are crunchy and the tone is incredible. The emotion felt when listening to this song is just overwhelming.
Keaton Henson “Limb” 2021
Keaton Henson’s latest release is an EP titled ‘Fragments’ and the second track is “Limb” which is perfectly produced and beautifully intimate. The melancholy is flowing from the lips of Keaton Henson and the result of his singing style nearly brings you to tears. An incredible effort in songwriting and the listening experience demands to be remembered.
Moonroof “Broken” 2021
Moonroof have created an ethereal, minimal alt-pop beauty with “Broken.” The vocals are sang very well and the falsetto is charming. The guitars shine and then turn to post-rock near the end with the gorgeous “oh’s and ah’s” sang above them. The percussion carries the chorus extremely well and overall it’s easy to play this on repeat.
Hayden Thorpe “Parallel Kingdom” 2021
Wild Beasts always fascinated me but never have they hit the high-high that lead singer Hayden Thorpe has on his solo single “Parallel Kingdom.” The electro-pop is extremely replay-able. The production is exquisite and he has supremely talented vocal range. The 2:40 mark where he name drops the song is one of my favorite parts of the year.
Liars “Big Appetite” 2021
Liars are one of the most polarizing bands on the face of the earth and their new song “Big Appetite” is carried by an impeccable guitar riff and incredible lazy sounding vocals. The production is immaculate and makes you extremely excited to hear the rest of the upcoming, ‘The Apple Drop’ album.
Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine “Olympus” 2021
Sufjan Stevens is back with a tune as wonderful and elegant as songs taken from ‘Seven Swans’ and ‘Illinois’ and when he says “there’s no place like home” it’s one of the most beautiful sang lyrics of the year. The songwriting is glorious and captivating and Sufjan’s voice never wavers. The ongoing plucking is lo-fi and one of my favorite produced instruments of the year as well.
TORRES “Thirstier” 2021
TORRES is easily one of the strongest musicians currently in the business. Her new single “Thirstier” is an epic, fascinating song. It starts like a Michelle Branch song from two decades ago, then it breaks open into the best indie-rock instrumentals of the year. The vocals soar and the songwriting is poignant.
Azure Ray “Remedy” 2021
With “Remedy” Azure Ray are back with their strongest song in 20 years since “Rise” from their debut. The beauty surrounds the production value, and the songwriting is glorious as the lyrics “for all the devils that dance under the sun / you’re a remedy or there’s none” is very spiritually uplifting. The acoustic guitars bounce wonderfully off the intimate vocals.
Coldplay “Higher Power (Acoustic Version)” 2021
Coldplay is one of the greatest bands of the last two decades and they are not slowing down anytime soon. “Higher Power” is a nice song, very catchy and poppy but the acoustic version is basically perfect. Much more intimate and emotional. When the song fully opens up at 2:30 it becomes clear that Chris Martin’s voice is one of the strongest in the game.
Skullcrusher “Song for Nick Drake” 2021
To be honest, Skullcrusher is a musician I haven’t been able to fully understand in terms of songwriting but I could see that the talent is there. Her latest song from ‘Storm in Sunmer’ EP changed that and is wonderfully realized in production, songwriting and the message is brilliant in that Nick Drake is my all-time favorite musician. The vocals are youthful with slight reverb yet they still sound organic. The instrumentation is scattered at times and very calming in terms of carrying an overarching beauty.
Damien Jurado “Male Customer #1” 2021
Damien Jurado creates amazing work year in and year out, substantial amounts of quality work makes him quite the artist. His reflective music is represented extremely well on the ender “Male Customer #1” of his latest album, ‘The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania.’ The result is beautiful, acoustic rock written about a failed relationship and how it’s time to move on. This songwriting is what has made him the exquisite musician he is recognized as today.
CARM “Song of Trouble (feat. Sufjan Stevens)” 2021
“Song of Trouble” is an incredible opener on CARM’s latest self-titled full length effort. Starting off with glorious brass and wind instrumentation and falling into a lo-fi plucking loop that plays perfectly with Sufjan Stevens’ masterful vocal abilities and songwriting techniques. The result is overwhelming with genuine execution. This is one of those times that vocals, songwriting, production and arranging all wrap up neatly with a bow.
Wy “Dream House” 2021
‘Marriage’ the upcoming album from Wy is the album I am most excited for. They are currently firing on all cylinders, production, songwriting and arranging. “Dream House” which will be the 8th cut on ‘Marriage’ is indie-pop perfection. The drum machine beat is reminiscent of prime Future Islands and the songwriting gives me my School of Seven Bells fix. When she says “it doesn’t matter where I am or what we do” it couldn’t have been sung better and it leads into the song picking up steam with overlapping vocals and a louder synth with beautiful production quality.
David Gray “Skellig” 2021
David Gray has been one of the most consistent musicians of the last few decades. His guitar work is sheer beauty like on the instant masterpiece “January Rain” taken from the Serendipity soundtrack. With the title track from his latest full length effort, “Skellig” he has outdone himself once again. The guitar is tragic and bursting with substance. His singing is restrained and the electronic elements from his 2019 effort are all but gone. The way the song ruminates through speakers is it’s calling you to a quiet, crashing shore.
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis “Albuquerque” 2021
Nick Cave has created some of the most beautifully haunted songs ever, and since the unfortunate passing of his son, he has been creating timeless music like a mad man. With “Albuquerque” from his latest full-length, accompanied by Warren Ellis, he has created an exquisite song about not being able to travel. The piano tone and production is perfect, the strings are bright and sad at the same time. The genuine quality of work that has went into this song alone is admirable, but Nick seems to pull this off with ease.
Gia Margaret “Solid Heart” 2021
Gia Margaret delivers one of the best songs of the last few years with “Solid Heart.” It’s a stampede on your heart that seems to claw at your nostalgia and teen angst. It’s a familiar chorus that you’ve never actually heard. Such a beautiful way of blending the the guitar with the easy going drum percussion section. The lo-fi production on her vocals serve as a sort of instrument as well, and carry her floaty voice into oblivion.
Loney Dear “Habibi (A clear black line)” 2021
Loney Dear is one of my favorite indie musicians and has consistently had one of my favorite songs of the year with every album. “Habibi (A clear black line)” is brilliant and has an emotional quality to it that you’d be hard pressed to find in another artist these days. The songwriting is as authentic as it gets. The piano is produced wonderfully and his vocals are sang with the perfect falsetto. This is the type of song you could put on late at night and with a warm cup of tea and be in perfect serenity. Though this song may not be for everyone, I couldn’t think of any way to improve it and find myself constantly going back to it, as no other song can give this special quality.
Army of Sound 