Best Not Broken / Falling In

If you are looking for something to add to your music repertoire that offers tunes that are easy to listen to and easy to sing with, and if you like U2 and The Killers, this is right up your alley. Falling In is the perfect soundtrack for the day-to-day life we all live. The lyrics are stories of people and places we have all known. They are thoughts that we have all had at some point, and it is immediately relatable.

These New Hampshire boys have a sound that is cool and collected, with massive hit potential, and they could easily fall right into place among the bands everyone knows and loves. The first song, “I Won’t Stop Loving You,” has a nice synthy intro and, as you may expect, is a testament to finding that right one in your life. It has a subtle dance club beat that makes you want to move. “Breaking My Heart” follows, and you hear the sad side of the relationship story. “Anarchy” has an awesome sense of humor and reminded me of a Sublime song. With lyrics like “But in the meantime we’ll live a dream life/We can be happy ever after and so rich/We’ll plant a garden, I’ll sing you love songs/And I’ll forget that you’re a psycho crazy bit**,” this song made me laugh.

My favorite song on the album was “Listerine.” It’s the slowest on the record, but it’s hopelessly and tragically romantic, and the Jane Austen, book-loving, girly-girl in me swooned. “Tell Me That You Want Me” was easily the most radio-friendly and catchy song, and it’s likely the one that will propel these guys forward. I hope they are given that opportunity. Industry management should take notice. My only disappointment was that the record ended after five songs and I wanted to hear more.

To learn more, visit bestnotbroken.com.

 By Jennifer Russo

Sheez Late / GO

For anyone under the impression that all bluegrass and folk-flavored music is feeble and fragile, full of sit-back-on-a-rocking-chair ditties, it’s time for you to listen to GO by Sheez Late. A bluegrass and folk recipe for the 21^st century, GO is a perfect example of how a specific style of music can push itself and border other genres and influences, creating something new and fresh.

GO has the DNA of straight-up rock ’n’ roll attitude. Sure, it could be classified simply as folk rock, but even that would be an understatement. If played on electric guitars, many of the songs here would fit neatly into the rock realm. That’s not to say they still couldn’t, but rock traditionalists likely would not concur with the twang and spice dashed on top. However, one gets the feeling that Sheez Late is just fine with staking out its own parcel of land.

“Guillotine” is a brash and heavy, in-your-face number that shouldn’t work with banjos, but somehow does, as Ron Roy sings, “Time to face the guillotine” in an angry and directive voice. Many of the songs here are similar in tone, while some (like the play on words of “Hard Attack”) are upbeat and filled with carnal intentions. The standout track is the dark “Leave Me Alone.” A song more heavy in heart than sound, “Leave Me Alone” is a strong showing of stirring emotion that proves Sheez Late can also hit the heart and get deep.

For more, visit reverbnation.com/sheezlate.

By Jason Savio

Carly Rae Jepsen / E•MO•TION

We’re actually very surprised we haven’t heard more of this album’s first infectious, confectious (not a word, but applicable here) tune, “I Really Like You,” on the airwaves more often. The first single off Carly Rae Jepsen’s third studio album is truly pop perfection with its catchy (repetitive, to some) chorus. It became a Top 40 hit – despite a cameo by Justin Bieber in the music video – or perhaps because of it – but the song fell off the radar when the album actually released on iTunes.

It’s worth checking out the music video to see Oscar-winner Tom Hanks – yes, you read that correctly – wake up and go about his day, sauntering through New York City, all while lip synching what seem to be the words of a teenager in love. And although Jepsen is almost 30, it’s hard to fault her for seeming and singing like perennial teenager. It works for her. And while there isn’t much growth from her last effort, that album did bestow upon us the monster hit, “Call Me Maybe.” Sometimes if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Jepsen co-wrote the album with several top-notch producers who have helped make hits for everyone from Kelly Clarkson and Tove Lo to Taylor Swift … and Madonna. Madonna may not have the voice of a top-tier songstress, but she does have talent and longevity, so it’s not a terrible comparison for Jepsen and an album that’s fluffily reminiscent of the best ’80s and early ’90s pop we can remember.

For more information, visit carlyraemusic.com or follow @carlyraejepsen.

By Mike Wood