With "1999," Carson Ferris takes us back in time in music's ever-changing universe. Provo, Utah-based pop virtuoso skillfully blends elements of Michael Jackson's early work with the contemporary charm of OneRepublic, delivering a nostalgic pop anthem that beckons us back to the heyday of the '90s. Carson Ferris, a talented singer-songwriter hailing from Provo, Utah, has carved out a unique niche for himself in the world...

The fastest pop songs arrive like a notification. Ben Lester’s self-titled debut does something more interesting: it lets the listener wait for the message to finish forming. Across 13 tracks for Mayfield Records, the London singer, songwriter, performer and producer turns patience into part of the pleasure. The result is indie pop with an arranger’s discipline, a record built for people who like a chorus but...