12 Most Tremendous Free Songs I’ve Discovered

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You may have seen these little cards at the counter when you buy your latte at your local Starbucks. They say ‘Pick of the Week’ on them, and they feature a new artist every week with one song for free through iTunes. Often times they are artists you’ve never heard of, and sometimes they’re international superstars.

But if you haven’t picked one up yet, you need to start grabbing them. Every time you see one. You never know when you’ll stumble across something tremendous that you otherwise never would have experienced. Tremendous songs like:

1. Jon Bryant — Deaf

An incredibly soothing retrospective song with rich acoustic guitar and haunting vocals. This song by Jon Bryant quickly prompted me to download the rest of the album. Truly one of my all-time favourite songs. A singer/songwriter from Halifax, Jon Bryant’s second album is nearing release in the upcoming weeks, and will no doubt be added to my collection.

2. Brooke Fraser — Orphans, Kingdoms

This song marches along with a thunderous bass drum,  and Brooke Fraser’s incredibly mesmerizing voice. Just the kind of song you’d listen to over and over with rain pouring down outside and a fresh cup of coffee in hand. Hear this song and I’m sure you’ll be looking for more from this incredibly talented New Zealand singer/songwriter. I highly suggest checking out her song ‘Coachella’ as well.

3. Dave Matthews — Write A Song

There’s something about Dave Matthews music that is just ‘different’ from others in the same genre. For lack of a better word, I’d say his songs just have a unique ‘soul’ to them. This hip love song by Matthews injects a bit of groove along with great lyrics and fantastic riffs. If you’re a fan of Dave’s tunes, this one is a must-have.

4. Say Hi — Dots On Maps

Ever heard of Say Hi? Yeah, me neither. But a good song is a good song, and THIS is a good song. A bit sad, but its incredibly catchy beat and rhythm will have you replaying it in your head over and over. Doesn’t really sound like anything else on the radio right now, so if you’re looking for something different and mellow, this could scratch your itch.

5. Kathleen Edwards — Asking for Flowers

This heartbreaking combo of acoustic rock/folk/country by Kathleen Edwards has been a fixture on my ‘Mellow Mix’ playlist for three years now. This song was one of the very first that I got from the ‘Pick of the Week’ cards from Starbucks, and was definitely one of the main reasons I make it a point to grab these cards every time I can. A really great song.

6. Jason Bajada — The Sound Your Life Makes

One of the newest songs I’ve obtained, but quickly rose up to a top spot on my most-listened list. A beautiful, uplifting duet with guitar reminiscent of something that Jack Johnson would write, but has its own distinguishing charm. I can easily foresee myself checking out more of Bajada’s music in the very near future.

7. City and Colour — Constant Knot

I think 99% of Dallas Green’s songs are sad, but why mess around when he’s just so damn good at writing them. I discovered this song right around the same time as one of Green’s other songs, ‘Sleeping Sickness’, was being played constantly on the radio, but I think that between the two, I’ve played this one many more times.

8. Greg Laswell — How the Day Sounds

For some reason I’m always reminded of Ben Folds when I hear the fantastic piano opener to this song. Greg’s inspiring song is another one that’s been a staple on my playlist for years. It’s just an overall positive, uplifting, feel-good kind of song. Give it a listen, I think I like how the day sounds.

9. Hayden — Let’s Break Up

Very country/folksy great song about a guy who’s fed up and just had enough messing around. And yet, for a song about a couple who’s relationship is ending on not-so-great terms, this song is surprisingly upbeat and has a ridiculously catchy tune. You can’t help but smile when you hear it.

10. Patrick Watson — Big Bird in a Small Cage

Hypnotic. That’s how I’d describe this eclectic song with emotional vocals and poetic lyrics. It’s difficult to describe this song in any way that would give you some kind of reference for comparison. I will say that the first time you hear it, you will be unsure what to really make of it, and yet the more you hear it the more it will resonate with you. A truly odd and beautiful song.

11. Mavis Staples — You Are Not Alone

I first heard this song when Staples performed on an episode of the Colbert Report, and I knew I liked it immediately. When I saw her unmistakeable face on the Pick of the Week card shortly after, I couldn’t grab one fast enough. This is a great song, and I defy you to not want to turn the lights down low and grab a glass of wine when you hear it.

12. Melody Gardot — Who Will Comfort Me

You’ll be snapping your fingers along with the opening to this great vocal performance by Melody Gardot. Jazzy and sensual, this is probably the song on this list that has the fewest plays on my iTunes, but it’s one of those songs where when it does play, I’ll often go back and play it over and over. It’s got a great groove to it, and Gardot’s voice is awesome.

So what should you take away from this? Well, hopefully you’ll have the desire to browse through the iTunes and check out some unknown artists or off-the-beaten-path songs you discovered here. At the very least, I hope you’ll grab the next Pick of the Week card you see when you next visit your local Starbucks.

You really can’t go wrong with a free song, especially when there’s a really good chance you’ll uncover a hidden gem that just might become part of your life’s soundtrack. Happy listening, and let me know what free songs you’ve discovered!

Featured image courtesy of craigCloutier via Creative Commons.