Benjamin - Unbreakable

Buy Unbreakable here (iTunes)

Finland was good to me in 2014 - it gave me my favourite album of the year in the form of Satin Circus' Expectations so I'm more than eager to discover more new pop music from the country. As fortune would have it, young pop fella Benjamin has a rather excellent single out that caught my ear thanks to featuring on Scandipop this week. Entitled "Unbreakable" it's the just the type of ballad that should banish those post Christmas blues and set you up with a suitably rousing anthem for the new year ahead. Written by the talented dude himself (along with Bettina Bergström, Henri Lanz, Kalle Lindroth and Lasse Mellberg), it's got the right mix of contemporary with the classic, just the right amount of uplifting balanced with an element of cool to make it the perfect fit for a smash not just in his native Finland but across the globe. It starts out as a piano-vocal performance (with a subtle swathe of strings giving an elegant touch in the background) that is fueled by some resonant chords allowing Benjamin's engaging voice to guide the melody of the song forward. There's a sincere conviction to his singing that accentuates the message of the lyrics - all about lifting yourself back from the bad times and turning those negative experiences into positive ones; believing in the power of love. Sage advice at any time of year yet it always seems most pertinent as January comes around. When the chorus hits, the strings become more prominent and Benjamin wisely realises that sometimes less is more with his singing; indeed the more reflective quiet moments of the chorus are equally as powerful and have as much impact as when he demonstrates his vocal range and power. A shuffling, ingratiating percussion further illuminates the majesty of the song as it progresses into verse two and that chorus becomes more irresistable each time it rolls around (surely the sign of an enduring, unforgettable hook). Add to this a video that's as exquisitely turned out as the song and it's both a visual and aural treat for the senses. Can't wait to see what else this likeable lad comes up with in 2015 - all signs are pointing to some of my favourite music of the year...

(PS he has the sort of amazing pop star hair that make people like me insanely jealous :P)