Take Jack Horton, a Portland-based singer-songwriter whose path to folk-Americana included stops at Japanese law school, Tokyo piano bars, corporate boardrooms, and government offices. His latest EP, "Imperfections," feels like finding someone's private journal set to music. And that someone happens to write really, really well. The five-song collection opens with "Set Me Free," a piano-driven confession that might surprise anyone expecting typical breakup bitterness. Horton...

The song's authenticity lies in the sincerity with which it was written and performed and in the emotional weight he gives to his rapping. This is a beautiful song by any measure. The new tune "I'm Right Here" by UK rapper Mr Streetz deals with the serious issue of helping alcoholics find comfort and hope before it's too late. It's great that he tackles serious issues...