The Big Takeover, Michael Toland’s Top Ten:

Susan James – Driving Toward the Sun (SJM)

The whole Americana thing has been beaten into the ground over the last couple of decades, which makes a talent like Susan James that much more precious. With a strong sense of pop melody, lyrics that show emotional ambition and a commitment to creating well-crafted music, the Los Angeleno makes Driving Toward the Sun an essential listen for anyone with an ear for music with real heart. Picks to click: “Driving Toward the Sun,” “Mission Bells”