Owl City - Vanilla Twilight

One of the biggest pop songs of last year came from Owl City.  "Fireflies" took over the radio charts almost instantly.  The feel good song proved that Owl City was here to stay.  The biggest question on everyone's mind was, "Could Owl City top Fireflies with an even better song?".  That question may be answered with the electro-pop acts second single off of his album, Ocean Eyes.

Owl City is, in fact, one person.  Adam Young is the mastermind behind these catchy pop tunes.  "Vanilla Twilight" is a ballad in some variety.  The song starts with a lone piano behind Young's honest voice.  Then, the full synth-ridden instrumentation that Owl City is known for kicks in.  The main element that stands out in Owl City's songs, are the lyrics.  Adam Young creates lyrics that might be simple, but they're also incredibly honest, cute, and maybe even a little childish.  "Vanilla Twilight" is truly a modern love song.

Many have said that Owl City is too similar to The Postal Service.  While their styles of music are closely related, Owl City has managed to separate itself from this comparison by musical theme.  Between the odd subject choices and obscure lyricism, you won't confuse the two artists for long.

I believe that Adam Young has topped his previous smash hit with "Vanilla Twilight".  The song is great from it's bright yet mellow beat to the emotion filled vocals.  If you enjoyed "Fireflies", then you will most likely also enjoy this song.  Owl City is currently on tour with his female equivalent, Lights.  After his current tour, he's hitting the road with John Mayer.  He clearly has big plans ahead of him.  I would definitely check out this song or buy his album, Ocean Eyes, if you enjoyed his previous work.  "Vanilla Twilight" has the potential to make Owl City top the charts all over again.

Charlotte Sometimes - Ooh Love

Pop music comes in two types. There's either mass produced pop, which is what makes up the majority of today's radio, or there's a more organic type of pop music.  The organic pop music uses real instruments, such as strings, piano, and guitar, and has a more natural production stage.  Charlotte Sometimes' (born Jessica Charlotte Poland) new single, "Ooh Love", is a light-hearted pop song of the organic variety.  The song focuses on pure instrumentation and bright vocals.

"Ooh Love" is whimsical and soaring. The verses are covered in a smooth wind section and a piano.  When the chorus arrives, the song shoots up.  Charlotte goes in and out of her falsetto during the chorus so flawlessly.  The vocals are truly the highlight of the song.  They're very... happy.  You can hear the joy in her voice.  I also really love the forceful strings in the chorus.  They add a sense of urgency to the song.

If you enjoy Ingrid Michaelson's music, you'll probably like Charlotte Sometimes.  They have a similar style of music.  The main difference is that Ingrid's music is a bit more simplified with less layers.  Although they are very similar, Charlotte Sometimes is not to be discarded.  Her music is unique to it's own.  "Ooh Love" is perfect if you're looking for some fresh and bright pop music.

Semi Precious Weapons - Semi Precious Weapons

Glam rock isn't a popular genre nowadays.  In the seventies, glam rock was at it's peak.  David Bowie was leading the way in this new genre.  Along with bands like Queen and T. Rex, this style of music saw it's rise and fall.  Semi Precious Weapons is taking the elements of glam rock, and updating it to today's standards.  The flashy clothes, androgyny, and wild rock is all still here, but can they continue the trend with as much power as before?

The single, "Semi Precious Weapons", is all out rock.  With a riff that seems almost too memorable, the song kicks off.  Vocalist, Justin Tranter, starts the song with, "I can't pay my rent, but I'm ******* gorgeous.".  His over the top vocals fit the song perfectly.  The song not only borrows from the glam genre, but it also has some punk rock influences.  It's a great song to start a party.

The band will be releasing an album later this year. Until then , you can check out their self titled EP.  They're currently on the Monster Ball tour with Lady Gaga. If that isn't a big enough stage, I don't know what is.  Semi Precious Weapons' wild and bold attitude, along with their crazy fashion, might staple them into the upcoming music scene.  I would definitely look out for their upcoming full length album this spring.

Anjulie - Boom

Much of today's radio-friendly pop music has major R&B and hip-hop influences.  The problem is, these songs don't use the elements of these genres to their advantage.  What ends up happening, is the creation of several songs that song exactly same.  Anjulie is a Canadian pop singer.  Her debut self titled album was released in the summer of  last year.  On that album was "Boom".  This song is made for pop success. It blends different musical styles and cultures to create something new and fresh.

"Boom" starts slow and minimal.  When the chorus comes, so do the horns.  Along with chimes and an organ, the song starts to pick up.  The second verse brings in the beat.  The pattern and instrumentation of the song is very unique and haunting.  The simple hook of, "Boom, shalaka", is genius.  That hook is what makes the song so memorable.

I would definitely check out this song if you want something that's catchy and unique.  If you like Amy Winehouse then you might enjoy Anjulie.  The bass focused horns and R&B influences are present in both artist's music.  The song also has a slight Middle Eastern or Indian tinge too it.  This flare adds even more to the song.  After you hear this single, you'll be singing "Boom" for hours.

La Bella Charade - Self Titled EP

Pop-punk music is usually made up of big sing-along choruses and overly emotional vocalists.  The songs are short and fast, little bits of uncontrollable energy.  Not often do you find an album of the genre that flows together as one piece.  La Bella Charade's debut self titled EP does just that.  From the beginning to the end, the EP sounds, and feels, like a complete album.

The five song EP is a great intro for the St. Louis based quartet.  They establish themselves in a crowd among well known names such as Fall Out Boy and Paramore.  The album is actually very reminiscent of Fall Out Boy's debut, Take This To Your Grave.  It's exciting and raw.  If they keep this style instead of transitioning into a pop-rock band, then they could gain a following of listeners who are striving for this musical style.

In many of the songs, harmonizing is key.  This technique is something the band has utilized to it's potential.  While the vocals could use some fine tuning, they're strong enough to stand out among other similar bands.

I would check out La Bella Charade if you enjoy bands such as Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, and Paramore.  Pop-punk fans should be prepared for this band.  They have the potential to rise above the masses.  To find more info on this band, check out their website, here.