Hidden gems to be found in iTunes’ free music

Many of us are suspicious of free music. We’d sooner purchase the tunes of familiar artists… Many of us are suspicious of free music. We’d sooner purchase the tunes of familiar artists than go out on a limb — even when it’s free — for an artist who could end up slipping into the mix and ruining our iTunes shuffle like an obnoxious and uninvited party guest. However, sometimes the best-hidden gems wait patiently at the bottom of the iTunes store window, waiting to be downloaded by someone who might love them. Not every song will be a winner, but it’s always worth a try — especially since it’s free.

“Walk Around the Lake”

Artist: Lost Trees

Album: All Alone in an Empty House

If you are a fan of Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists or Ryan Adams, you just might love the soothing vocals of Lost Trees. The song receives a unique sound by pairing an acoustic guitar, violins and an apocalyptic choir to make something sonically dramatic. The powerful music is balanced by the low-key lyrics like “sometimes all it takes is a walk around the lake.” Dramatic instrumentation punctuated by moments of quiet and wistful singing give the song a welcomed depth.

Hasta la Verdad

Artist: Javiera Mena

Album: Mena

Translated to mean “Until the Truth,” Mena’s song is all poppy, electronic pep. The beginning beat and synthesizer are reminiscent of the prerecorded sounds that come with an electronic keyboard and it sounds distinctly like something the heroine of an ‘80s flick might have a dance montage to. This song could very well be muddled in with the bevy of mundane background pop songs — except for the Spanish.

“At or With Me (Born Weakling Remix)”

Artist: Jack Johnson

Single

Putting aside the acoustic guitar and folksy sound, Jack Johnson breaks out an electronic sound to create an odd, but welcomed combination. The techno beats and voice distortion is an unusual pairing with the warm and mellow voice that sang “making banana pancakes,” but that’s what separates the song from falling into either genre — electronic or folk — too much. Still, Johnson’s poetic lyrics, like “Your dancing shoes have touched these dusty floors for such a long, long time,” are maintained and blend for an unexpected treat — just like salt in your chocolate.