The artist otherwise known as Laura Pergolizzi has a righteous head of curls and vocals that can soar to dramatic heights of belting or slink and slide in a smoky, lower-key tone that's vaguely reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. Her most recent outing, 2018's Heart to Mouth, reveals that her alt-pop-oriented grooves are as varied as her delivery. You may not be familiar with her solo work, but there's a good chance you've heard the chart toppers she's cowritten for the likes of Rihanna ("Cheers [Drink to That]"), Cher, Christina Aguilera, and others. She's got a pop-sensible heart and an elegantly lyrical brain that deserve your attention. by Leilani Polk