Ghostland Observatory - Sad, Sad City

Artist: Ghostland Observatory Track: Sad, Sad City Album: Paparazzi Lightning Year: 2006
This is one of those songs where the beat just draws you in from the very beginning. That steady, funky beat grooves through the whole song, joined by buzzy electronics and hyped vocals. It's a pretty short song, but it uses those 3 minutes well to get me energized. And that's all I got, folks. I just like the song.
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Ryan Adams - Desire

Artist: Ryan Adams Track: Desire Album: Demolition Year: 2002
I discovered this song through the TV show House (it was also in the show West Wing) and I feel like that's how most people know this song. This album was a collection of other studio tracks Ryan Adams recorded, but just didn't make the cut on his previous studio albums.
There's a nice, but dreary country feel to the track. My favorite parts are when he first sings "desire" and the acoustics pick up a bit. WARNING, the harmonicas loudly come out of nowhere which is my only complaint with this song. However, I love the rest of the song too much to pass up on it simply because of some over zealous harmonica playing.
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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.

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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.
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The Belle Brigade - Where Not To Look For Freedom

Artist: The Belle Brigade

Track: Where Not To Look For Freedom

Album: The Belle Brigade

Year: 2011

This song's infectious energy makes me want to spin around with my arms above my head, singing at the top of my lungs. The Belle Brigade is a brother/sister duo whose voices match perfectly to deliver a great folk rock track with what I think sounds like a dash of country. I also love the lyrics. Literally I think it's about finding freedom on the road, but I kind of take from it a message of finding the freedom to be yourself. 

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Gomez - How We Operate

Artist: Gomez

Track: How We Operate

Album: How We Operate

Year: 2006

The best way I can describe this song is mysterious and entrancing. I think you will agree with me after listening to just the first 30 seconds. Gomez has three strong vocalists and "How We Operate" features the vocals of Ben Ottewell. They're gritty and raw and I love the way they mix with the plucking guitars.

This album also features my other favorite by Gomez, "See The World". I had the hardest time deciding which one to feature today, but I finally decided on this one. It's just so entrancing! (And yes, I've already used that word, but it's the best one I can think of).

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Shwayze - Crazy For You

Artist: Shwayze
Track: Crazy For You
Album: Let It Beat
Year: 2009
Time for a little hip hop again (or something vaguely hip-hop)! I was introduced to this song by a friend a few years back. It's a great feel-good track with fun lyrics, mellow vocals, and lazy guitar strumming. They have a bit of a reggae mixed with rock and a dash of hip-hop thrown in sound to their music. My favorite line is "I wouldn't be late if I looked at the clock, but I'd rather spend time than buy a wrist watch."

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Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Ain't Nothin' Wrong With That

Artist: Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Track: Ain't Nothin' Wrong With That
Album: Colorblind
Year: 2006
I do believe it is physically impossible to not  move, dance, tap your feet, or play the drums on your steering wheel while listening to this song. It's just infused with so much funky energy! I immediately loved it the first time I heard the song. I really enjoy the reoccurring guitar riff, especially when it kicks off after the first few seconds of the song. The lyrics are also cheerful and upbeat.

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