Sharon Van Etten's voice commands attention....

Sharon Van Etten's voice commands attention. The Brooklyn singer caused a stir with her 2009 album, Because I Was In Love, a collection of understated love songs that showcased her distinctive smoky delivery, not to mention serious promise as a songwriter. "Much More Than That" became a hit in the blogosphere, all the more impressive considering the song's slow tempo and lack of percussion — two traits that don't exactly scream, "Tweet me."

Her upcoming album, Epic, should spark even more uncharacteristic love on the blogs. The seven songs demonstrate Van Etten's significant progress as a songwriter — while, of course, showcasing that smoldering voice. Listen to two of the album's tracks, "Love More" and "One Day," in this edition of World Cafe: Next.

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