During the recording of her new full-length Some People Have Real Problems, singer Sia Furler’s friends teased her about her future as a rich and famous pop star. The jokes, however, will soon turn into fact when Monkey Puzzle/Hear Music drops the album this week. The latter, a subsidiary of Starbucks, will promote Some People to millions of caffeine junkies worldwide. Some People is a generally easy-going adult contemp record, containing a mix of slow-moving grooves and quirky, mid-tempo pop. Multi-layered textures keep each song fresh, such as the accordion-inspired keyboard chords matched with gently plucked guitar notes in the opener “Little Black Sandals.” For the next track, “Lentil,” Sia opts for a combination of brush strokes, piano, strings and xylophone. The Australian chanteuse tops each track off with a strong set of pipes that still carry the air of her past in jazz ensembles while living on her home island. The intimidating prowess of her projection and range are countered with the endearing, slightly-flawed character of her voice. She sometimes cracks with emotion – the kind of foible that pairs perfectly with a white chocolate mocha cappuccino. (Hear Music) –Julie Pinsonneault

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