Sia

Sia Furler cut her teeth on the Adelaide jazz circuit during the mid-'90s, but made her big industry breakthrough at the end of that decade when she scooted off to the U.K. and landed a prime gig as backup singer for Jamiroquai. What better way to tee-up a stellar 21st-century solo career, or to showcase a set of rich, naturally soulful pipes that also brought offers of work from the likes of Massive Attack, William Orbit, and Zero 7 — we've included the latter outfit's "Destiny" and "Somersault" here, as two of the finest examples of Sia's extra-curricular activities. This introduction to the best of her back catalogue so far takes in a gorgeous cover of the Church's "Under the Milky Way," the delicately emotive "Breathe Me" — which was used to great effect on the Six Feet Under soundtrack — and funky 09/10 singles "You've Changed" and "Clap Your Hands." By the way, Sia has also written songs for Christina Aguilera, which makes her one of the most complete Aussie music talents currently working . . . anywhere.