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Kimbra's New Album: The 3 Best Tracks

[caption id="attachment_50791" align="aligncenter" width="608" caption="Kimbra cuts a rug"][/caption]

She's been killing it with Gotye all year, but as of this week, Kimbra finally has an album of her own in America. Vows was released in her native New Zealand almost a year ago, but that was before "Somebody That I Used to Know" made her internationally famous. Now that we know Kimbra's name, Yankee record labels are willing to take a chance on her.

She's worth the risk. Kimbra's a pop artist, sure, but she won't be limited to a single genre. Sometimes, she rocks a girl-group vibe. Sometimes, she sounds like a 90s R&B singer (Seriously! There are R. Kelly influences!), and sometimes, she serves "alternative cabaret" like Fiona Apple. She's got the voice and the energy to pull all of it off.

I'd recommend the entire Kimbra album, but to get you started, here are three essential tracks:

(1) "Cameo Lover"

GOD! I love this song! The verses are contempoary dance-pop, but the chorus is an homage to the Supremes. It shouldn't work at all, but it does. And check out those high notes in the bridge! Yes, this song is about a lover who only makes a cameo in Kimbra's life instead of sticking around, but it makes heartache sound really fun.

Also... the video is awesome. One of the benefits of this album being long-delayed in America is that there are already several music videos to support it. We can instantly see visuals for our favorite songs instead waiting for months like chumps.

(2) "Good Intent"

This is that "alternative cabaret" sound I was talking about. I can imagine hearing "Good Intent" in a smoky bar in 1955, where fellas in fedoras raises glasses of whiskey to sexy dames in slinky red dresses. Kimbra's controlled, powerful voice is perfect for this James Bond vibe. She can extend a note and make it quiver, like a come-on to anyone who's listening.

(3) "Two Way Street"

I'm recommending this love song because it's so quietly sexy. Like a Sade hit, it's soft, seductive rhythm invites you to sway your hips, not tear off your clothes. And even though the lyrics are never explicit, they paint a clear picture of how much this woman wants her man.

When I've got you in front of me

the cars could all collide.

The shards of glass won't catch my eye,

because you're almost by my side.

We're counting down at the green light.

Oooooh, lord! If you are this excited to be with your man, if a car wreck can't distract you from noticing he's just a few greenlights away, then you are about to have some amazing sex. Guaranteed. Gauran-damn-teed. And hell yes that deserves a song!

Previously: VIDEO -- Kimbra talks Gotye and "Somebody That I Used to Know"

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Mark Blankenship tweets as @IAmBlankenship. He recently ranked Katy Perry's singles from worst to best.

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