Two things:
1) Banjos
2) Tambourines
If the two above items are present separately or together in a song, chances are I will like/love that song. Example - Cameo Lover*
Like most people, I had never heard of Kimbra (FOR SHAME) until Gotye's collab with her on Somebody That I Used to Know (we've all got to start somewhere i suppose). Naturally, I did a little research ('ello wikipedia) and listened to the singles off of her debut LP "Vows" and I was not disappointed! Ok, this is all a lie, my sister actually made me listen to "Cameo Lover" like a week before and I wasn't in the market for new music, but she made me, and as a result I didn't really like it (this is also known as ignorant lazy dumbass syndrome). BUT I CHECKED HER OUT ON MY OWN EVENTUALLY which is what counts.
...Anyways back to the tambourine. I love Kimbra and this track because of the different genre that she infuses with her pop music. Most of the album is heavily jazz influenced (which is the last thing I expected) but some tracks like "Cameo Lover" are pop songs with jazz undertones. The subtle progression of the song through the verses and culminating in the chorus is what caught my attention: the first verse is supported by the bass, glockenspiel (fucking LOVE that word) and a light pop backbeat until the heavy pop chorus. The second verse has more of a presence in the more obvious use of the bass and electric guitar and it isn't until the brass come blaring in the second entrance of the chorus that you really get a sense of the jazz elements. The momentum of the chorus keeps thundering on in the bridge transition between the second and third choruses with her fanfuckingtastic vocals that were full of soul music influence that I would've been ok had she finished the song there. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Her ending with the change to deep vocals on the final succession of choruses gives a throwback to the beginning of the song and makes sure that you are well aware of Kimbra's vocal range. This, ladies and gents, is masterful pop music by one crazy good artist. She is worth more than just one listen.
S.
*side note: obviously Cameo Lover has a tambourine and not a banjo. don't be a smartass.
**sidenote: the other song on "Vows" that I fucking love is "Good Intent". It's more jazz than pop and is too catchy to resist. Here's the music video because this supports the song damn perfectly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XjNlpe7hII&ob=av3e
***sidenote: TAMBOURINES ARE FUCKIN AWESOME.