Sia - Breathe Me

Artist: Sia Track: Breathe Me Album: Colour The Small One Year: 2004
This is and probably always will be my favorite song by Sia. It was also the first one I ever knew by her. I love Sia's voice. There's just something so raw and effortless and beautiful about it. I feel like this song perfectly captures all of that. 
The instrumentals are simple with a beautiful piano line that is later joined by drums and violins and slowly builds up the emotion of the song. The piano alone can make me teary. To me, Sia's voice is the main focus of the song, which I absolutely love. Then the instrumentals have their own dramatic solo at the end. I just love everything about this song!  Also, this may be a weird thing to like, but I rather like the big sigh she takes at the very beginning of the song before she begins to sing. 
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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.
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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.
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Fitz And The Tantrums - MoneyGrabber

Artist: Fitz And The Tantrums

Track: MoneyGrabber

Album: Pinkin' Up The Piecces

Year: 2010

This group is a nice refreshing trip back to the soul sounds of Motown. I was hooked on "MoneyGrabber" the first time I heard it. Lovin' the organ, sax, and hand claps that make you just tap your foot. Lead vocalist and band-leader, Michael Fitzpatrick and R&B singer, Noelle Scaggs, bring a fresh, genuine energy to their music. 

I can't wait to hear more from them!

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Hope - The Rain Don't Last

Artist: Hope

Track: The Rain Don't Last

Album: Hope's Indie CD

Year: 2004

One of my friends showed me this song back in junior high while riding in my dad's car and I have loved it ever since. This is a song for when nothing seems to be going right and no matter what you do, it just doesn't seem to get better. So, you need a little something to remind you that it doesn't last and things will get better, so just let it go.

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Asa - Jailer

Artist: Asa
Track: Jailer

Album: Asa

Year: 2009

I love the acoustic, jazzy sound of this song. It's got a bit of reggae in there too. Asa's vocals are smooth and rich. I've seen them described as "smokey" and I think that describes them perfectly.  

Ever since I first discovered this song when she released it, I've listened to it more times than I count. I believe it winds up on my vacation playlists wherever I go (yes, I create playlists for my family vacations). I distinctly remember driving the winding road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii while listening to this song. 

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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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