Laleh Pourkarim (born June 10, 1982 in Iran) is a Swedish singer-songwriter of Iranian origin. She came to Sweden when she was 12 and went to school in Gothenburg. She personally produced and wrote her 2005 eponymous debut album. At the Swedish Grammis Awards for 2005, she received seven nominations and won three: Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year, and New Artist of the Year....
James Blunt is a former Royal Air Force soldier who saw active combat during the NATO mission in Kosovo, an experience detailed in his debut album’s harrowing closer, “No Bravery.” Judging from the rest of BACK TO BEDLAM, he’s also in the market to become either a one-man Coldplay or a more commercially acceptable version of Elliott Smith. A collection of midtempo ballads based around Blunt’s acoustic guitar and piano and his high, reedy voice, BACK TO BEDLAM is tailor made for a generation of sensitive college girls and their frat-boy boyfriends. Blunt shares Smith’s knack for pretty mopery and self-destructive tendencies (several songs, most obviously the opening “High,” tacitly romanticize drug use), as well as Coldplay’s talent for decorating simple melodies with effective production tricks. Tracks like the UK smash “You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover” are backhanded anti-love songs that suggest Elvis Costello’s lyrical wit, and add a little bite to this otherwise radio-ready set of tunes....
Her sound has been described as everything from Norah Jones to Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple to Alicia Keyes. It is tempting to make comparisons but she’s much more than a carbon copy. In fact, she is anything but. Influenced by soul, jazz, rock, and pop-her writing is bold, honest, and edgy. Intelligent, unpredictable lyrics and melodies delivered courtesy of a truly soulful and powerful voice, Sara’s music is something that definitely sets her apart....
Issued in late 2008, OUR BRIGHT FUTURE finds singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman unveiling another assured set of light, welcoming folk-pop. As its title implies, the album is a largely hopeful and optimistic affair, with Chapman’s warm, wavering vocals perfectly showcased on thoughtful tracks such as “Sing for You” and “Thinking of You.” Those reminded of 1980s and `90s Joni Mitchell records will find that notion to be more than mere coincidence–FUTURE is produced by Larry Klein, who worked on many of those Mitchell outings, and brings a similar airy-yet-substantial quality to Chapman’s gentle song....
Jojo Effect
Norah Jones
Tape Five
Lura
Summertime
