Milosh - You Make Me Feel

Artist: Milosh Track: You Make Me Feel Album: You Make Me Feel Year: 2004
I was recently introduced to this song (and the whole album actually) and I've to associate it with some wonderful times. I'm very associative with music. It can make me happy, sad, or even cry because it reminds me a certain time, place or person. This one makes me warm and fuzzy and calm. 
The track is a soft, glitchy song with dreamy, haunting vocals. I like the clicky beat throughout the song and the lyrics are simple and sweet. I'm listening to it as I type this and my mind is slowing and making it hard to come up with full, coherent sentences. Probably should pause it to write this post. Naaaah.
I pretty much love the entire album as well, but the title track is still my favorite.
Click for lyrics & links!

Minus The Bear - Summer Angel

Artist: Minus The Bear Track: Summer Angel Album: Omni Year: 2010
So many people dislike this album because it strays from Minus The Bear's previous music. I don't know whether or not to be thankful that this album was my introduction to this band, 'cause I love this song and a few others off the album. 
I love the almost harsh start to the song that drops into groovy melodies and charming harmonies. It has an effortless feel to it. That groove of the guitar comes to the front in the bridge of the song. I almost listen to it more than the actual vocals. I'm also in love with the lyrics. They're beautifully sensual and fresh.
Click for lyrics & links!

Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance

Artist: Oren Lavie Track: Her Morning Elegance Album: The Opposite Side of the Sea Year: 2008
This song IS the morning to me. It's soothing and mellow and perfect for me in the morning, because I'm not a morning person by any means. Oren's vocals are rough, but soft at the same time. The guitar notes that provide the base melody sounds like drops of water, then you layer that with soft xylophone-ish notes and random spurts of violins and you have a very peaceful track.
I was introduced to this song via the music video, which is beautifully filmed. Please watch it if you like the song or just watch it anyways.
This is also one of the few songs that made me go out and buy the whole album. As in,  I went and bought a physical, hold-in-my-hand, put-in-a-cd-player, album. I haven't done that in a long time.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Dean Martin - Mambo Italiano (Club des Belugas Remix)

Artist: Dean Martin Track: Mambo Italiano (Club des Belugas Remix) Album: The Art of Electro Swing Vol.2 Year: 2011
Until I was looking up information for this post, I did not realize that this track was a remix, not a cover. Well, I'm glad I know now. These are actually Dean Martin's wonderful vocals. The original track is great as well, but I like the beat and freshness of Club des Belugas' remix. It makes me wish I knew how to salsa or tango or some other kind of saucy dancing.
Note, the first bit is pretty much a direct sampling of the original track. If it's not your cup of tea, just listen a little longer for the main part of the song to kick in before you pass judgement.
Click for lyrics & links!

Madeon - The City

Artist: Madeon ft. Zak Waters & Cass Love Track: The City Album: The City - EP Year: 2012
I seriously had this song turned up loud and on repeat as I drove home for Thanksgiving. It just fills me with a bouncy energy and makes me want to dance, which was a little troublesome as I was driving. No seriously, this track is dripping in energy. I also really like the singer's voice as in I could listen to him on his own, which  I don't usually experience in house music. But, that's just me.
Also, the music video looks like one big, apocalyptic war with all the leftover colored powder from Holi, the Indian festival of colors. It's glorious!
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Angus & Julia Stone - Mango Tree

Artist: Angus & Julia Stone Track: Mango Tree Album: A Book Like This Year: 2007
Angus & Julia Stone are a brother and sister duo whose music is perfect relaxing music for me. "Mango Tree" mainly features Angus's vocals and I tend to prefer his more. They're very soothing and calming. The simple guitar melody is beautiful when it switches into the bridge of the song and the lyrics are short, yet touching. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Poets of the Fall - War

Artist: Poets of the Fall Track: War Album: Twilight Theater Year: 2010
I went through a big Poets of the Fall kick a few months ago and this song was the one that got me hooked on the band, so I thought it appropriate to feature this one. If you have ever played the game Alan Wake, you may recognize this song. It was featured there which is how I discovered this band.
I love Marko Saaresto's voice. It's so rich and strong and there's something about it that's just very different from most of the lead vocalists in my music collection. The song itself has a wonderful cinematic sound to it and lyrics are beautiful.
Also, make sure to check out more of their music because Poets of the Fall has a talent for excelling at different styles of music and it makes it hard to pin them down into a genre. There's probably something in their discography that will appeal to you, no matter what kind of music you like.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Groove Armada - Think Twice

Artist: Groove Armada ft. Neneh Cherry Track: Think Twice Album: Lovebox Year: 2002
Here's another one of those chill piano tracks that I have so many of. What's different about this one, at least for me, is the vocals. Neneh's vocals are sultry, raw, and have a quality to them that pulls you into the song. Then combining that with swirling electronic sounds and a constant piano backtrack creates a textured atmosphere that is beautifully produced.
Click for lyrics & links!

Iration - Falling

Artist: Iration

Track: Falling

Album: Time Bomb

Year: 2010

Iraiton's "Falling" paints a picture in your mind of sun and sand and relaxing by a beach as the waves lap at the shore. They're sound doesn't bring anything new to the reggae genre, but it fills in that spot in my music collection quite nicely. The lyrics are fun and sweet with nice harmonies. I can never get tired of listening to this track and it's another one of those that ends up on every once of my summery vacation playlists. 

Now, I know it might seem weird to feature a summer song as winter quickly approaches, but on those bright sunny days that get sprinkled in every now and then, it's a good track to have.

Click for lyrics & links!

i SQUARE - Hey Sexy Lady

Artist: i SQUARE Track: Hey Sexy Lady Album: Hey Sexy Lady - Single Year: 2010
I've been neglected the genre of dance-poppy, top 40 music that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with. Sure, I enjoy a good pop song, but a lot of times, the track just doesn't stick with me and I stop listening to it after a while. This one, however, has stuck and sadly, I never heard it on the radio.
On first glance, you might compare this group to The Black-Eyed Peas simple on appearance, but don't let that give you an misconceptions of the group. They have their own style which they say goes out to the "squares" out there who "might not be in the cool clique but can shine in their own way". Beyond that, I think the track is simple fun. The chorus is my favorite part and the lyrics amuse me with lines like "Stevie Wonder even saw her smilin'". 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Priscilla Ahn - Dream

Artist: Priscilla Ahn Track: Dream Album: A Good Day Year: 2008
I've always loved this song for how pure and light the song is. Priscilla's vocals are angelic and soft as she sings equally innocent lyrics. It creates a sort of comforting atmosphere that makes you lose your worries and float with the music, especially when it hits about halfway through the song and the "oo"s come gliding in. Beautiful.
Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

Alex Clare - I Love You

Artist: Alex Clare Track: I Love You Album: The Lateness Of The Hour Year: 2012
Ever since I heard that Internet Explorer ad on the internet with Alex Clare's "Too Close", I've been in love with this man's voice. There are so many good tracks off of this album, but "I Love You" really stood out to me. Sure, it's a lovesick, sappy ballad, but I like the vibe.
A lot of Alex Clare's music is fast, harsh, and full of punches of dubstep, but this track seemed to take a mellower approach. I really was able to listen to his vocals here. I don't know music chords and keys very well, but I love the key of the chorus, whatever it is.
Click for lyrics & links!

Swedish House Mafia - Greyhound

Artist: Swedish House Mafia Track: Greyhound Album: Until Now Year: 2012
Swedish House Mafia is a killer trio of DJs Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello, and Axwell. They have a talent for weaving irresistible dance tracks that you can't help but get pumped to. And this one didn't even need words!
The slow, climbing intro builds you up to a spine-tingling drop and then you find yourself bobbing your head to the beat and you can't stop. Then around 2:42 the track switches into a hyped, trance-like sound and the fun continues. The track is one big rollercoaster of electro beats and trance-y synths.
Also, make sure to watch the music video for this one. It's pretty cool, I must say. Though it looks like Lady GaGa's long lost family joined together for a beats-driven, robotic greyhound race. However, the music video does not feature the entire track.
Click for music video & links!

Patrick & Eugene - Don't Stop

Artist: Patrick & Eugene Track: Don't Stop Album: Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees) Year: 2005
Sorry for missing yesterday, guys! I got a little tied up all day and didn't have one prepared a head of time. So, here's a happy, fun one for today's feature. I honestly don't know how you can listen to this song and not can a smile crawl across your face. Patrick & Eugene are a British duo whose quirky music is finding its way around the world. This song practically embodies the kooky British humor found in acts like Monty Python. Eccentric dance beats and playful, fun lyrics make this song a joy to listen to.  Click here for lyrics, music video & links!

Lissie - When I'm Alone

Artist: Lissie Track: When I'm Alone Album: Catching A Tiger Year: 2010
You know those songs that just wrap you up in the feel of the song and make you want to sing along with as much raw emotion as you can? Well, this is one of those for me. Lissie's voice is passionate and strong and not just on her recorded songs. Her live performances are equally amazing. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

The National - Apartment Story

Artist: The National Track: Apartment Story Album: Boxer Year: 2007
As I'm posting this, Spotify is not working, so I hope the player starts working as soon as Spotify is up and running again.
I love The National and it's because of the atmosphere of their music. The vocals can be monotonous and the instrumental part can be repetitive, but that's what I love about it! Some people may say differently. "Apartment Story" is a good example of that. The the bass and drums create that repetitive instrumental backing that I mentioned and the vocals are deep and slow. For me, it's very calming. I can listen to this song over and over again. 
I also love the chorus. The line "tired and wired, we ruin too easy" really gets me for some reason. The words and the notes as well. Also, I love the second half of the song. "Stay inside our rosy minded fuzz" is a beautiful image to me. I can perfectly see what that moment feels like.
Can you tell I love this song? I don't think I've ever rambled this much on a post!
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Kids of 88 - Just A Little Bit

Artist: Kids of 88 Track: Just A Little Bit Album: Sugarpills Year: 2010
This song has been playing on repeat in my car when I drive back from work. If you're in need of a new catchy, electropop song to dance around to repeatedly, you will want to take a listen. Sassy vocals over pulsating electronic beats make for an absolutely fun dance track. It will get stuck in your head, I warn you.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Stephen Speaks - Out Of My League

Artist: Stephen Speaks Track: Out Of My League Album: No More Doubt Year: 2009
This is one of those adorable songs that makes me giggle like a little girl. Seriously, the lyrics are so cute! Make sure to click to read more of this post so you can read them! It's a very simple, with just a piano and the vocals. My favorite part is towards the end after the bridge when he sings the chorus after repeating the first verse. The piano just goes really soft and the vocals are emphasized as he sings "'Cause I love her with all that I am". It's just so cute! Gah! Click for lyrics and links!

Frou Frou - Let Go

Artist: Frou Frou Track: Let Go Album: Details Year: 2002
I love Imogen Heap and anything she does, so that definitely includes Frou Frou. Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard a bad song off this album. Sadly, this was the only one the duo released before they split and Imogen went off to start a solo career. 
Imogen's vocals are soft and elegant as always. The music itself is beautifully textured electronica that flows with the whispery vocals to tell that there's "beauty in the breakdown". It almost has an intimate feel to it.
Click for lyrics & links!

Maxwell - Pretty Wings

Artist: Maxwell Track: Pretty Wings Album: BLACKsummers'night Year: 2009
I'm not a huge R&B fan but this song really grew on me. It was recommended to me, so I kept listening and sure enough, it's been playing in my head constantly! The song is a soulful trip through the experience of loving someone but knowing you have to let them "free to fly [their] pretty wings". 
Maxwell's falsetto is beautiful in the chorus. The chimes in the beginning are an interesting addition, but my favorite part is when the horns come in about three fourths of the way through the song. Those combined with the aforementioned falsetto chorus lines and the raw sound that his voice takes towards the end really get you into the emotion of the song.
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Fort Minor - Believe Me

Artist: Fort Minor Track: Believe Me Album: The Rising Tied Year: 2005
Fort Minor is most commonly known for their song "Where'd You Go" off of the same album, but this track is my favorite by them. If that doesn't sounds familiar, I'll throw a well-known band name at you now: Linkin Park. Fort Minor is the creation of Mike Shinoda, one of the two main singers of Linkin Park. He features several vocalists on this album and Bobo & Styles Of Beyond sings in "Believe Me".
This is one of the few hip-hop songs to which I know all the words of the rap verses, but no one will ever catch me singing them. Oh well. I love the beat, especially in the bridge. It almost has a bit of a conga feel to it. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

NEEDTOBREATHE - Slumber

Artist: NEEDTOBREATHE Track: Slumber Album: The Reckoning Year: 2011
NEEDTOBREATHE is a Christian rock band that has gained much acclaim yet has somehow managed to slip past my attention. Thankfully "Slumber" was introduced to my ears not that long ago. 
It's an uplifting, rock track with a twinge of folksy bluegrass. "Slumber" creates its own atmosphere that just makes me feel like I'm waking up to a bright day full of possibilities. Maybe this is because of the lyrics, but I believe the band does a masterful job of combining vocals, guitars, gentle chimes and drums to slowly build the song up to an energetic finale. I seriously should put this as my alarm.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Gregory and the Hawk - Boats & Birds

Artist: Gregory and the Hawk Track: Boats & Birds Album: Gregory and the Hawk Year: 2005
I absolutely love sweet, acoustic tracks like this. I could listen to it forever! It's a beautiful and tug-at-your-heartstrings ballad with soft vocals and gentle guitar plucking. The lyrics are so bittersweet as well. It brings out the sappy girl in me.
Click for lyrics and link!

Paul Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise

Artist: Paul Oakenfold ft. Shifty Shellshock Track: Starry Eyed Surprise Album: Bunkka Year: 2002
Remember this song?! I distinctly remember it playing in a Diet Coke commercial that they played in theaters before the previews. It was full of bubbles and people skating around in roller skates on a rooftop. I picture that ad every time I listen to this song. It popped up on my shuffle and I just had to feature it today out of nostalgia. 
This song just fills me with bubbly energy and I dare you to say it doesn't do the same for you. Sure, it sounds rather commerical, but sometimes I need some upbeat, dance pop. The lyrics are simple, yet fun and the beat is crowd-friendly. Just a great, feel-good track dripping in early 2000's that will never leave my music collection.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Teddybears - Cobrastyle

Artist: Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra Track: Cobrastyle Album: Soft Machine Year: 2006
I had heard this song before but I can't remember where! Apparently it's been used for multiple commercials and sports ads, but I have no recollection of seeing them. I stumbled across it on 8tracks one day and immediately loved it. "Cobrastyle" is an infectiously catchy, reggae fusion track featuring Mad Cobra. It's upbeat energy and addictive chorus makes it hard to get out of your head. 
I will warn you, trying to read the lyrics is borderline impossible. These were the only lyrics I could find. So either this is what he's really saying or someone just made something up. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Crystal Castles - Celestica

Artist: Crystal Castles Track: Celestica Album: Crystal Castles (2010) Year: 2010
How about some dreamy, electronic pop? This track is off of Crystla Castles second self titled album. They actually have three self titled albums and where they lack in album title creativity, they make for it in their music.  "Celestica" is slightly shoegaze-ish track with heavy distortion, dreamy vocals, and a whole bunch of random sounds here and there. Yet somehow it all snugly fits together to create an almost entrancing track. I know I've used the word "dreamy" a lot in this post, but honestly, it's the only word that floats across my mind as I listen to this song. Click for lyrics, music video & link!

Butterfly Boucher - A Bitter Song

Artist: Butterfly Boucher Track: A Bitter Song Album: Scary Fragile Year: 2009
This song is just what I need right now. Something simple, but beautiful. It's a short song and I wish there was more of it. Butterfly's voice is soft and sad with flowing background vocals and a simple piano accompaniment. And yes, Butterfly is her real first name.   I didn't know this when I found the song, but apparently this song was used at an important event in the show Grey's Anatomy. I won't say which part so as to not spoil it for anyone. Click for lyrics, music video, & links!