Emma Pollock

This former Delgado shows she's gonna make it on her own and turn the world on with her smile (and her thoughtful, adept songwriting) with her first solo album. Fireworks encompasses a rich range of styles and emotions, from the wistful "Limbs," a spellbinding concoction of squeaking guitar strings and Impressionist piano arpeggios; to the invigorating keyboard chords and a peppy, encouraging rhythm section of "Adrenaline." It's got shades of the Fiery Furnaces and a hint of Joni Mitchell, but what it sounds like most of all is a talented artist reveling in her independence.