'I Could Be Happy' - Nouvelle Vague

To some people, Bossa Nova may sound a lot like the music your grandparents listened to or a default ringtone on your smartphone. However, Nouvelle Vague bring this musical style to life on their new album, I Could Be Happy. Following their 2010 album, Couleurs sur Paris, the French group breathe new life into some classic punk and post-punk tunes.

Their slowed down and sassy version of The Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated" is a bit of a mind fuck. But once you open yourself up to how unusual it sounds compared to frenetic original, it's a one you won't want to stop listening to. They transform "I Could Be Happy" by Altered Images into a sweet serenade, while The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" is like an ethereal lullaby. Nouvelle Vauge also include a number of original tunes — sung in French, of course. If you're looking for something quirky, fun and majorly different, I Could Be Happy is the way to go.