10 Artists to Watch 2006

Listen to a playlist of must-hear tracks from our artists to watch

Lupe Fiasco "I Gotcha"
Lupe celebrates going from "musty to musky" over a hyperhappy top-shelf beat from the Neptunes.

Cute Is What We Aim For "The Curse of Curves"
A cynical emo barnburner about teenage romance from Fueled by Ramen's newest stars.

Alexi Murdoch "Dream About Flying"
A rolling acoustic gem: Think a bluesier version of Nick Drake, circa Pink Moon.

The Noisettes "Iwe" (RealPlayer required).
Screaming guitars, funky bass lines and the irresistible purr-shriek of Shingai Shoniwa.

Jibbs "Chain Hang Low"
Sharp St. Louis rhymes over children chanting a schoolyard chorus.

Silversun Pickups "Well Thought Out Twinkles"
A distorto-jam that's the best song Billy Corgan never wrote.

Alice Smith "Dream"
A shape-shifting tune that finds the sweet spot between Nina Simone, Jill Scott, and Elton John.

Paolo Nutini "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" (RealPlayer required)
Nutini begs for his girl not to leave him, with folk-rock guitars and a hook that makes the case.

Amy Millan "Skinny Boy" (RealPlayer required)
Millan's soprano floats over a gauzy melody on this tart heartbreaker.

Comets On Fire "Hatched Upon the Age"
An epic tune with sunlit guitar that recalls Syd Barrett-era Floyd.

Listen to a playlist of must-hear tracks from our artists to watch