Just 22 years old at the time this was recorded, Zee Avi is a true Internet discovery. Hailing from Malaysia, the singer-songwriter and guitarist saw her career launched not long after posting some music videos online and listening to this charming debut, it’s easy to understand why. Blessed with a sweet and alluring voice that instantly grabs your attention, she breathes life into her gorgeous, flowing melodies over which she lays some clever, quirky lyrics (for instance rhyming “Kierkegaard” with “broke my heart” at one point). A nicely balanced album, particularly for a first effort, her songs range from catchy, upbeat numbers such as “Bitter Heart” and “Darling” to the sultry ballads “Is This the End” and “Let Me In.” She also captures a soulful, swinging vibe on tunes like “Just You and Me” with some great use of ukulele and New Orleans style horns. This beguiling collection of tuneful folk-pop seems sure to bring a smile.