Singer Songwriters in the 21st Century

5. M Ward. M Ward's music is hard to classify (as is the music of all the folks on this list). At times, he reminds me of the Beatles, at others Bowie. Ward tends toward the simple, rootsy, rock/folk end of things. A great sense of humor, but also comfortable with poignancy, intimacy, and honesty, M Ward is, like the others here, on regular rotation in my house. I recommend The Transfiguration of Vincent and Transistor Radio.

4. Abra Moore. Moore's music has changed considerably since her first recording on her own, Sing. Her last record, Everything Changed, shows a writer and a singer really coming into her own, comfortable with her own musical identity, and able to cut right to the emotions she hopes to touch on. I recommend all three of her own records, Sing, Strangest Places, and Everything Changed, though the latter two are more likely than the former to appeal to most people.

3. Sufjan Stevens. A musician like some of the best before him, with an eye on the bigger picture, his place and the place of his music in the pantheon of great music through history (really), Stevens is making epic music. Some might call it "orchestral pop," some might be turned off by Stevens' plaintive, nearly waif-like voice, but the man sculpts some great tunes. I have both Michigan and Illinoise, and, while I like the latter better, I'm looking forward very much to the possibility of his hitting every state in the union.

2. David Gray. My ex-wife turned me on to Gray (I don't think she knew it really). I now have every one of his records, and there truly isn't a bad one in the lot (quite like the body of work of the gentleman in the #1 position here). It's fascinating, and a great listen, to hear Gray's progression through the last 15 years or so of his musical career, going from the very rootsy (Welsh) folk-rock of A Century Ends and Flesh, to the highly orchestrated and dulcet pop of New Day at Sunrise and Life in Slow Motion, with a huge hit of a stop in electronica with White Ladder in between. Great lyrics, emotive, evocative singing, from the heart, straight to the point, down to the earth while being poetic and, at times, truly transcendent. If you see DG's name, it's got to be good.

1. Josh Rouse. Rouse's music has grown on me a great deal over the last six months. As with David Gray's work, with Rouse's recordings a person just can't go wrong. I've got nine (9!) Rouse titles in iTunes and they're all good enough to listen to at least once a day. Rouse makes some sweet soul music His lyrics are touching and almost confessional at times, telling truths about an artist growing up in the Bible Belt, a boy leaving home with big dreams, but always having the same fears and regrets we all have. My favorites are Chester (with Kurt Wagner) and Dressed Up Like Nebraska. While 1972 and Nashville are great records, they're also the most pop oriented of Rouse's work. Smooth Sounds: Rarities is great, as is the live one. Home and Under Cold Blue Stars are excellent as well.