Ellington

Esthero — "Wikked Lil Grrls" My first time ever seeing Esthero was on ABC's "The Jimmy Kimmel Live Show." The title track from her latest album, which she performed, was both upbeat and sexy. I was intrigued, and this alone drove me to go and buy the album. To my surprise it's not only sexy and upbeat, but calming and thought-provoking. In her intro, Esthero promotes a "musical revolution" and leads the way with music inspired by jazz, pop, R&B, and hip-hop, along with humorous, kinky and oftentimes weird interludes all throughout the album. Although Esthero is a self-professed Jewish cornbread and macaroni eating girl, her voice is a bit raspy—reminiscent of legend Etta James. Considering the album's jazzy sound, she may also be compared to our very modern Sade on more laid-back tracks such as "My Torture." With a guest appearance from Cee-lo Green, this album that Esthero wants to give every musical genre a go, and in this project it words out quite well. So, if you're looking for something a bit unconventional to add to your list, Esthero is a perfect pick.

-Adrienne Hearn