The 12 Best Songs You’ve Never Heard

Music is one of my first loves, and even though I’m not performing or writing music at the moment, I am still terribly addicted to incessantly searching for new, amazing songs.

Over the holiday break, I was sharing great tunes back and forth with a good friend in Michigan, and it occurred to me just how much phenomenal music is out there — and how difficult it can be to find it if we’re not actively sharing with each other!

So, to that end, I thought I’d share 12 of my current favorites with you. I hope you enjoy!

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1) Where Rainbows Never Die by The Steeldrivers

I’m pretty sure this contains the best vocal track I heard in all of 2014, and it’s also one of my favorite songs from the last few years, period. Just… beautiful. The bridge = goosebumps.

2) Violin by Amos Lee

For me, this Amos Lee at his best. Simple structure, great groove, awesome melody. Love it.

3) My Heart’s A Cannonball by Lelia Broussard

One of the most enjoyable songs I’ve heard in the last couple years. Turn it up, and maybe even dance a little.

4) Apocalypse Lullaby by The Wailin’ Jennys

The Wailin’ Jennys have become one of my favorite groups over the last year or so. This is the song you want with you at the end of the world. Drink it up… and then go listen to everything else they’ve ever recorded (seriously).

5) Hammond Song by The Roches

So unique. I’m captivated by this one; it transports me… where, I’m not exactly sure, but I keep going back, so I must like it there…!

6) You And I by Paper Route

Why this song isn’t a hit on mainstream radio, I have no idea. Hooky as all hell… I keep playing it over and over and over and I just don’t get sick of it.

7) I Am Mountain by Gungor

This one makes me think all kinds of crazy, awesome metaphysical thoughts. (I don’t do that enough these days.) Everything I love about the power of music is here.

8) Sing Along by Virginia Coalition

If you like solid folk/acoustic-y pop, this whole album is phenomenal. There are very few albums that I can put on shuffle and enjoy every single track; this is one of them.

9) Don’t Ask Me Why by Great Caesar

I had the great fortune to share a stage with this amazing band during a CreativWeek showcase in Vegas. I am not easily impressed when it comes to live music, but these guys blew me away. Do yourself a favor and watch the music video, too — it gives the song a whole other dimension.

10) Slipping Away by Switchfoot

Switchfoot had a couple of mainstream hits a few years ago which you might remember, but I’m not sure most people have heard much from them since then…? In any case, I love this track from their latest album.

11) The Way by Matchbox Twenty

Yes, it’s that Matchbox Twenty. But this song is like nothing you’ve ever heard from them, because it’s not written or sung by Rob Thomas, but co-written and sung by Kyle Cook. Fantastic.

12) Beth/Rest by Bon Iver

Haunting in all the right ways. There are quite a few good tracks on this album, but I think this is my favorite.

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