It’s ironic, then, that "Susan" -- a cut from Mann's forthcoming Bachelor No. 2, which she is issuing herself -- quietly and deftly seeps into the subconscious. Over a muffled drum beat and bent blues notes, Mann urges a friend to flee a bad relationship. Yet instead of writhing in her protagonist's anger, Mann concentrates on Susan's moment of grace, when she will feel the relief of being safe at last. Mann's vocals here are as clear and fluid as spring water, and wash over the background with a light psychedelic veneer.

Smart pop never sounded so sweet, or satisfying. Hear what the record companies missed.