I've recently become enamored with those female singers who manage to write and deliver music that is lyrically inspiring, witty, offbeat, and honest.
Ingrid Michaelson is my all time favorite artist since I first heard The Way I Am. I love the heartfelt honesty of her lyrics. She, more than any other artist, seems to put into words the depth of pain and joy that comes with heartbreak, whether of a romantic nature or more generally. My favorites are Overboard, Keep Breathing, and Die Alone, although I adore and appreciate everything I've heard so far.
Kimya Dawson's music is overflowing so thoroughly with quirks that some people find her annoying or unworthy of the notice she's received, especially after the success of Juno. But I love the way she tells stories in the most childish of words and the simplest of chord progressions. Because this simplicity stands in such contrast to her obvious grasp of the span of human experience and pain, her songs become profound, anthems to hope and moving on and appreciating the little things. I especially like I Like Giants.
I've only heard one song from Amber Rubarth so far. But You Will Love This Song is simply charming. Sweet, understated, and a bit juvenile, I can't help but smile when I hear it.
I'm surprised at myself for truly admiring those undiciplined, untrained, and altogether irregular female vocalists because of my own experience as a singer. But they help me realize that music and art are not about classes and pronunciations and correct posture (although these things certainly help), but about expressing what's going on in a style all my own. In a way I hope will reach others and teach them a little about my heart.
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