[Hot Video Alert] Cleo Sol - Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love)

It's been a minute since I've done a post about UK soul-pop stunner Cleo Sol and for that, I sincerely apologize.  The talented up & comer just released her major label debut single, "Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love)" on July 9th through Island Records, following some very prominent early spins on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Radio 1 and Choice FM.  Admittedly, I wasn't really feeling the track after the first listen but then I gave it a couple more plays.  NOW, I'm groovin' along to the retro-soul-infused beat. If you're not feeling it right away, definitely give it some time. This one's a grower for sure!

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[Hot Video Alert] Josh Kumra feat. K. Koke - Helicopters & Planes

Looks like I missed out on a LOT of good music while I was gone. Case in point, the new video for twenty one-year old Josh Kumra's latest single, "Helicopters & Planes," featuring rapper U.S.G member K. Koke.  In case you missed my review of Kumra's latest single (released July 13th), I enjoyed it but not nearly as much as his buzz single, the beautiful and soulful "Call Off The Search." Of course, as is always the case, upon further listens, "Helicopters & Planes" is winning me over - though honestly I could do without the rap interlude but that's just me.  Kumra's powerful yet soothing vocal makes everything better.

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Ones to Watch in 2012: Beatrice Eli

I tell ya, there must be something in the Swedish water supply that's conducive to the creation of amazing pop music.  Beatrice Eli is yet ANOTHER talented singer/songwriter hailing from Sweden.  Dark and twisty, her style is a tasteful yet seductive combination of dark, atmospheric pop vocals and trippy electronic beats, coming together in the form of a masterful debut single, "The Conqueror."  From the press release:

"Combining heart-swelling vocals, offbeat production and wrenching lyrics about love and loss, 'The Conqueror' may well be one of the most devastating yet beautiful pop songs you’re likely to hear all year."

Eli's musical influences range from jazz and soul to hip-hop, electronic and rock, citing everyone from The Notorious B.I.G. and Janet Jackson to Bjork, Salt N Pepa and Nirvana.  Eli says, "I've realized I like classical arrangements, strong lyrics and hooks. If you have that, you can put an interesting production on it and make it fresh, but also timeless."  "The Conqueror" really is a beautiful introduction to Beatrice Eli, highlighting her strengths as a songwriter and all around creative soul.  Explaining the meaning behind the song, Eli says:

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Ones to Watch in 2012: Josh Kumra

Every so often a voice comes along that stops you dead in your tracks.  Seeing that that I typically gravitate towards strong female vocalists, for a male vocalist to draw me in, he has to be REALLY good.  Let me tell you, Josh Kumra is REALLY good.  What about Kumra's voice struck a chord with me?  What didn't, is a better question.  Stirring, soulful vocals with plenty of rough-around-the-edges rasp and grit, reminiscent of a Jamie Scott (of Graffiti6) or a young Ray LaMontagne.  Kumra sounds like he's been singing for years and years, which just isn't the case given his young age. Simply magical.

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