For a CD full of mellow yet catchy music, check out Lenka's self-titled debut album. These are the kind of tunes you're likely to find yourself humming, and the kind of songs that will put you in a good mood almost instantly.
The 30-year-old Australian is an actress - she trained with Cate Blanchett - who has landed leading roles on stage, television and in films, and was best known as the host of long-running children's breakfast show, Cheez TV. Described by some as the female Mika, Lenka joined the band Decoder Ring in 2004 as an ensemble musician before going solo as a singer-songwriter.
Her song The Show has been used in several adverts and promos. Lenka is a woman of multiple talents, and her music has a zingy indie/world pop sound to it that reveals her many musical influences.
It's near-impossible to find a track on this album that doesn't lift your spirits. 'It's a mood enhancer,' she says of her record. 'I don't like it when people are depressed; I like to cheer them up.'
Lenka's lyrics are touching; her voice is sweet; even art decorating her album cover is pleasingly pretty. Cynics may call it repetitive, but most people will find her upbeat vibe infectious enough to leave the CD on repeat.