Georgia Anne Muldrow is quickly becoming a favorite for me, even though I only discovered her last year. I’ve since filled up a bit of the back catalogue, and I’m certainly impressed by her output this year.

The psychedelic funk/hip hop/R&B she has hit upon really resonates with me. I love that her lyrics are smart, emotional, and original. I love that she writes, plays, and sings her own material. Even on a song like “Kings Ballad,” which is a tribute song to Michael Jackson doesn’t seem like a cheesy remembrance ballad, but instead comes across as a strong, urgent, pulsing, jazzy, psychedelic genuine appreciation for a musical artist that broke down barriers and inspired a generation of younger artists. I appreciate that some of the songs I’m not entirely sold on still challenge formula. A track like “Room Punk!” is an interesting gamble, as it’s a punk song about taking a shower.

When she does touch on something cliché, she’s aware of it, like on “Summer Love,” in which she and Dudley Perkins both admit they’re using corny lines on each other. It also helps matters that Muldrow is channeling some awesome Zapp and Roger beats for the song.

What I love about Muldrow more than anything, though, is that she’s completely her own artist, and Kings Ballad just emphasizes this point. She’s a serious musician with great ideas and sound all of her own, but she’s also enjoying her music and it’s a joy to listen to.