Jason Mraz (Atlantic)

On his latest album, singer and songwriter Jason Mraz sets down his acoustic guitar and delivers a collection of laidback pop songs mixed with funk. The first single, "I'm Yours", mixes reggae with mellow grooves, that had me thinking of Jack Johnson. Mraz duets with Colbie Callait on "Lucky", which has a pleasant acoustic vibe, as does the moody "Details in the Fabric" featuring James Morrison. Opener "Make It Mine" is an upbeat number full of clapping and horns.

Unfamiliar Faces

Matt Costa

(Brushfire Records)

This gifted multi-instrumentalist's new outing offers plenty of well-crafted pop with a distinct '70s influence. "Mr Pitiful" is a strong opening track with piano and choral hooks that segue beautifully into the ear-grabbing ballad "Lilacs". Pop meets folk on "Heart of Stone", while harmonica and banjo lend hints of country to "Never Looking Back" and "Miss Magnolia".