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• Matisyahu, Zee Avi and Monsters of Folk

Artist: Matisyahu

Album: Light

Matisyahu has come a long way since his 2005 album Youth with 2009’s much more mainstream Light. There are significantly less references to his prominent Jewish faith, with the exception of the final song “Silence,” which is an almost meditation that speaks straight to the heart of anyone struggling with their beliefs. The album is based in themes that speak to all people and is about standing up above the stuff that can get you down. Musically, Light gets a little tired in the middle, but the beginning and end have everything you’d expect from Matisyahu: rhythmic intensity, personal lyrics, catchy choruses and music that can get right into you and make you feel good. I’m definitely looking forward to Nov. 4 when I can hear the tracks live at Matisyahu’s concert at Foellinger Auditorium. —Leslie Goldberg

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Artist: Zee Avi

Album: Zee Avi

Zee Avi is my home girl. This debut is like the music floating up from a basement jazz bar with low green lights, or a pink lemonade popsicle eaten in a meadow, or black sand sifting through cupped hands. It is quaint, quirky, minimalistic — a soft guitar or ukulele with trumpets and drums thrown in — classic, with a raw, sweet and husky voice of smokey nights and trailing days, and soul that is so simple and so mesmerizing. Although many of the songs on Zee Avi have already been featured on her YouTube page, on record they are a bit more clean cut, yet still done without losing the magic. —Justine Chan

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Artist: Monsters of Folk

Album: Monsters of Folk

If you have paid any attention to the indie rock scene recently, you have likely experienced the mind-blowing melodies of artists like Bright Eyes and My Morning Jacket. If not, please redefine your life and get yourself to the iTunes store. While there, check out the debut from Monsters of Folk, a stunning collaboration between Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, and the (unfortunately) under-the-radar M. Ward. Together, the men produce awe-inspiring atmospheric folk with staggeringly succulent harmonies — among the most beautiful sounds you’ll hear this year. —Jack LaBelle

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