After getting her start with performance art band Sweatheart, Amanda Blank transformed countless collaborations with artists like Spank Rock, Santigold, and M.I.A. into her own debut album I Love You. Having finished a national tour on the strength of their self-titled EP, Artist vs. Poet have now found their way to the Freshmen with single “Runaway.” Another one of Kayne West’s young protégés, Big Sean is gearing up for the release of his first studio album Finally Famous. Originally from Annotto Bay, Jamaica, reggae artist Courtney John co-founded FiWi Music and now presents his newest album, the appropriately-titled Made in Jamaica. Coming to us from across the pond, South London to be specific, Jack Penate released sophmore LP Everything is New this past summer.

Amanda Blank

“Might Like You Better”

Well. Amanda certainly doesn’t use innuendo, that’s for sure. What’s interesting is that even though the lyrics themselves are quite explicit, her image itself is not. She’s not only covered-up, she’s covered in balloons. I’m sort of on the fence about this one. I want to like it. And truthfully, a part of me does. She’s cool and catchy without being overly flamboyant. But another part of me can’t help but think, “Didn’t Missy Elliot already do this with more sophisticated verses?” But overall, the song grows on you and I think Amanda’s future work will help define her sound.

Artist Vs Poet

“Runaway”

SASQUATCH! I was kind of hoping that hairy guy would take out the runners one-by-one AND THEN he did! Excellent. Even the girl with the huge…um…eyes. Ahem. The song is pretty standard fair, what I would expect from such a group, so no major surprises there. They do step it up a notch with the video though (who doesn’t love a Sasquatch?) so have to give them credit where credit is due.

Big Sean

“Get’cha Some”

Visually-speaking, this video is the most interesting to watch out of our Freshmen this week. The animation is used with just the right amount of balance. It’s not overdone, it’s not taking the focus away from the artist, it’s merely highlighting his phrases. And then of course we have the ever-appearing Mr. West popping up in an orange Swatch to seal the video with his stamp of approval. I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced Big Sean is the next “big thing” (Kayne or no Kayne) but this was a lot of fun.

Courtney John

“Lucky Man”

I’m really enjoying this sound at the moment, especially as fall is upon us here in NYC and I am feeling nostalgic for the summer. Reggae is a great way to imagine the warmth of sun and sand again, as this genre always seems to carry that association. And as Courtney John is attempting to recapture times gone by, the whole package particularly suits my current mood. For certain, it’s so smooth and sweet that it’s easy to swallow hook, line and sinker. A plesant delight on the ears. Good times.

Jack Penate

“Be the One”

Falsettos are so very trendy nowadays, aren’t they? I think this video would have been more effective if it were toned down. Quite a bit. For instance, more church and less lights. It feels almost as if the artist (who does have a fair amount of talent) is trying so hard to be a rockstar that the music gets pushed to the side. I want to see an acoustic version of this song, just Penate and his guitar. I bet I would love it.

So this week my pick is going to have to be Big Sean folks. I’ll admit, it’s a bit surprising as my taste tends to run more towards smaller indie-based artists. But he has the most interesting video. Although Courtney John is an extremely close second for his lovely vocals. Who do you like? Tell me in the comments section below.

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday.