Sarah Jarosz: Undercurrent
The atmospherics are rich on Undercurrent. Even when Sarah Jarosz just sings the mundane language of ordinary conversations, her words suggest that much more is meant than is said.
singer/songwriter
Shawn Mullins: My Stupid Heart
With his new album, Mullins draws ever closer to a breakthrough, thanks to some of the strongest songs he’s ever written.
Ben Folds: So There
The heightened focus on orchestral accompaniment, both grandiose and restrained, helps So There stand out from its predecessors.
Nicholas Altobelli: Searching Through That Minor Key
Searching Through That Minor Key lacks the raw emotional attachment of Altobelli's prior poetic work.
Lyfe Jennings: Tree of Lyfe
The script changes little for R&B singer/songwriter Lyfe Jennings on sixth album Tree of Lyfe, but it works out just fine.
Tim Bowness: Stupid Things That Mean the World
So few of Bowness’s peers show the same level of artistic integrity and fearlessness, not to mention boundless creativity and precise expressionism.
Beth McKee: Sugarcane Revival
A restless spirit guides soulful songwriter Beth McKee on an album made equal parts for the head, heart, and feet.
Passenger: Whispers II
Despite the similarities that blanket its selections, there's no denying that Whispers II is an overwhelmingly touching, serene, classy, and earnest work.
James Bay: Chaos and the Calm
On Chaos and the Calm,, singer/songwriter James Bay delivers a sound debut album that's never earth-shattering.
Mikky Ekko: Time
Mikky Ekko shows great potential and promise throughout his debut album, Time.
Julian Velard – “New York, I Love it When You’re Mean” (audio) (Premiere)
The old-school singer/songwriter stylings of Julian Velard are in full display on "New York, I Love it When You're Mean," the lead cut off of his New York-centric concept album If You Don't Like It, You Can Leave.
Sharon Van Etten: Are We There
Sharon Van Etten's assured command of her craft grows with each new release, and this may just be her finest hour as a songwriter.