Love Songs

Here at Kim the FanGirl, we have a vast love for new music. You know this. You understand. Whether it be from our favorite artists or some new emerging talent, we always have time for some Fresh Music. This week brings us a group of artists in a collection most unusual; each voice vastly different from the next. A sweet, soulful voice from one well-known. Another, famous for her individual style. A Pop-Rock boy band from Melbourne. It’s an eclectic group of styles and sounds. Most will probably find an artist from their extensive playlists here. A new song. A new album. I can guarantee, you’ll be pressing that download button in no time.

Can Sara Bareilles ever do wrong? The answer would be a resounding, no. Two years after releasing Kaleidoscope Heart, our Pop Princess is back with a new EP. Entitled Once Upon Another Time, Sara transforms our perceptions, presenting us with a softer, more organic sound. Stripped down to the bare essentials, Sara stuns us with her raw, soulful vocals. Her voice is awe-inspiring. The tone is a bit more melancholy. The lyrics are more introspective. I’m in love with every Sara Bareilles album and this is no exception.

Sweet As Whole is unsuspecting at first, transforming into a beautifully hilarious expulsion of thoughts, almost Jason Mraz-esque. Lie to Me is a sweet mixture of Pop and R&B; the rhythm of words, entrancing. With classic Sara Bareilles style, Bright Lights and Cityscapes will have your heart melting. Piano focused with self-deprecating lyrics; it’s everything you want out of a ballad. The short album’s title track features Sara’s flawless voice in a heavy-hearted serenade, beautiful and intense. The final piece to this puzzle, Stay. I really have no words. A Jazz infusion. Heartbreaking, but hopeful. Sweet and wistful. It’s just . . . gah! You know what? Maybe you should just listen to it. Yeah, do that.

Our next artist has been around for quite some time, but it wasn’t until I watched (500) Days of Summer that I finally took notice. How is just one sensational track off the new album from Regina Spektor. The blues ballad is full of longing; hoping a lost love will begin again. The song is accentuated by heavy piano rhythms and Spektor’s usual sporadic spots of falsetto notes. Emotional, but calm. Sentimental, but truthful. It’s easily my favorite track on the record.

The Temper Trap is another artist I fell in love with after (500) Days of Summer. Their Sweet Disposition was something unique – not quite pop, nor pure electric sound. Need Your Love is the first single from their sophomore album. A Pop-Rock fusion with a Scissor Sisters vibe, the song could possibly be the next summer hit. The dance track is a somewhat eighties throwback, though hardly noticed, except for the precious harmonies which cover the chorus of “I need your love. I need you now.” A beach side serenade, Need Your Love is a perfect accompaniment for those hot summer nights. The track is energetic, without being overproduced. If you love that different sound so familiar with The Temper Trap, you will assuredly love this song.

What did you think of the songs featured in this week’s Press Play Friday? Are there any new albums you are looking forward to? What songs and artists have you been listening to recently? Tell me in the comments!

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