Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station

The incomparable voice of Alison Krauss, this time with her band Union Station. Roots and Bluegrass even for those of you who normally wouldn’t listen to roots and bluegrass.

Beautiful Woman – Sarah Klang

A raw glimpse into Klang’s childhood and coming-of-age, but at the same time great pop music. Timely in this time and age of social media abundance.

Bird’s Eye View – Mystery tea.

So unmodern, just listen to the orchestrations, is mystery tea a hundred years old? No, it’s what make him good. Slow and introvert in a nerve-calming way.

Can’t Lose My (Soul) – Annie & The Caldwells

Annie & The Caldwells are hot items in the soul community these days. This EP is a great introduction. A new full-length album is on the way.

I’m Gonna Laugh You Out of My Life – Laura Anglade

Laura Anglade is hot in the jazz community, such a brilliant and accomplished singer! And she’s also a great song picker, deviating from the beaten jazz path. A new full-length album is on the way for her as well.

MAYHEM – Lady Gaga

I am breaking my own rules by bringing you an album that is already on top of the charts, but you may have noticed before that I am a great admirer of the Lady. She is possibly the most versatile of all superstars, and although some of her most mainstream tracks are not what I normally would listen to, she does TOp 40 better than anyone else, too.

People Watching – Sam Fender

OK, so I am bending the rules again… But the fact that Sam Fender is slowly becoming a superstar in his own right doesn’t make it any less brilliant. I have never been a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen, respect more than love, but Sam Fender often sounds like what it would take for me to love Springsteen’s music. What a voice.

Rise Up, Keep It Down – Herman Wildhagen

If you’re keen on Melancholia like Kings of Convenience and Thomas Dybdahl, Herman Wildhagen might be right for you, although there is definitely a bit more energy and power in his music than theirs. I enjoyed this indie album more than I expected, so give it a try, you might agree.

Silver Bead Eyes – Resa Saffa Park

Actor, singer, songwriter, graduate of LIPA, Dubai-born Norwegian Resa Saffa Park, has released an impressive and confident indie album, with jazz and rock influences as well.

Songs for the Lonesome – David Linard & Katie Martucci

A hauntingly beautiful album in all its simplicty, a great pianist and a singer with true emotional depth, with songs you might already know.

Unepidemic Soung – Fleshquartet

Fleshquartet (where is the fourth?) is a rare species in popular music. Strings are central in their music, but they do mix genres like no other group. On their new album they have invited in collaborators that add spice to their already exciting dish.

The Pianist – Duke Ellington

There are many brilliant keyboardists in the world of jazz. But for me the king – or duke – of them all is Duke Ellington. If you are unfamiliar with – or confused by – jazz, this album might be an easy way in. Start with the hauntingly beautiful Looking Glass, this gem transcends all genres.

Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan

As with Bruce Springsteen mentioned above, I have a lot of respect for Bob Dylan and his illustrious career, but he is not the first artist I choose to listen to on my day off. This was his second album, recorded and released in 1963, but rocketed to the top of the charts in 1965. And no-one can deny that this is a true classic in all its simplicity musically. This is a voice that inspired a generation.