Natalie Imbruglia: Want

The first single from Imbruglia's latest album, Come to Life, is a refreshing spin on the artist's tenacious indie discography. Want refashions Imbruglia's Torn aura, prepossessingly. It's not going to rival what put her on the music map, but the song works, really well actually. With lyrics like I hope you get all that you want, 'cause I didn't, pulsating layered vocals, Imbruglia channels a sophisticated dance anthem that puts a lot of what gets airplay today to shame.

Jamie Cullum: I'm All Over It

What starts off as an unfitting male take on Sarah Bareille's Love Song, I'm All Over It, is a rivetting number taken off Cullum's forthcoming record The Pursuit. Much like most of Cullum's music, the sound injects unmistakable jazz into freshly sliced pop, crafting a sound that's never boring and always a great listen.

The new sound possesses a modest but noteworthy shift from the preppy jazz we've been accustomed to. I'm All Over it in certain moments, could very well sound like a hymn that Freddie Mercury started and Elton John ended, dreaming up a song that has an unmistakable legendary sort of heritage.

The Pursuit is set for a November release, later this year.

A Sultry Summer Flower

Recently, I've been really admiring the Peony. These flowers have an extremely discerning temperament, blooming spectacularly overnight, furnishing their surroundings with a light and dainty pretty that very few flowers can achieve.

In these hot summer months, Peonies are at their peak, gracefully enveloping themselves in the most awe-inspiring of shades. Think, pastel creamy whites and pinky reds or even coral.

Paired with other flowers and foliage, Peonies are a delight no matter what you do with them. They can be so elegant for prized occasions or very suiting for a casual setting. Other than being a perfect hearty bouquet to carry for a summer wedding, or in a vase in your apartment, consider stashing a fresh peony in the pocket of a blazer or shirt, for a touch of sizzle in your summer wardrobe.

Shakira: She Wolf

Finally, we've gotten a whiff of what Shakira's comeback is like! In maintaining restrictions on Shakira quirk, which let's face it sometimes she goes way overboard, She Wolf does things well. The lyrics are wittingly original, sexy, simple and the bridge is just damn right compelling!

Following Nelly Furtado's Man Eater standard, and paying a subtle salute to Michael Jackson's Thriller, She Wolf melds howling, infectious guitar riffs and disco dancing in what may be one of Shakira's best songs to date.

Café Orlin

Don't disregard this adorable spot in the village! Forget the overcrowded and overrated Dallas BBQ which sits right by.

Simple, varied and delicious, Cafe Orlin's offerings can be best described as unpretentious yet eclectic. Think, Middle Eastern meets gastropub: falafel, pasta, pumpkin pancakes or Middle Eastern eggs for brunch. On gorgeous breezy summers, the patio although overcrowded can still be delightful, enjoying a glass of wine or a great Segafredo espresso.

Cafe Orlin
41 St Marks Pl
New York, NY 10003

Amr Diab: Wayah

Following El Leilah Di, his 2007 summer release, Diab returns with his latest from Rotana titled Wayah. Much like any typical Diab record, Wayah is exploding with foot-tapping synthesized beats that rise to dance floor crescendos, tuneful harmonies and lyrics, a few ballads here a there and a couple of traditional arabic pop numbers.

Don't get me wrong, while I can groove to practically any Diab song, Wayah much like his last 5 or 6 records, all seem to remain guarded, expected and well, erring on the forgettable and the insipid.

Highlights of the album are the lamenting Be'edt Leih, (the album's underrated gem, with haunting melodies and lyrics about the desertion of the beloved) Ainee wana Shayfo, a pulsating dance track and the vibrant Kollo Ella Habibi.

Renew International

Growing up as a relatively modern Muslim in the Middle East, I was nonetheless, netted with the notion that religion and atypical discourse or non-traditional approaches to faith for that matter, were never befitting with religion. This was mainly due to the fact that I only understood faith through an orthodox Muslim lens.

Upon living in the United States, I surprisingly encountered an approach to faith that many of the faithful here maintain. Seeming blasphemous to some, it encouraged a personal initiative towards faith that your typical orthodox Muslim or Christian (or any religion for that matter), would suppress or deem unworthy.

I believe this notion is bred because so much in faith has been established, that the matter of faith becomes more of a prescription rather than a challenge or a quest of faith, an opportunity for open dialogue, or simply a matter of relevant perception.

Renew International encourages a spiritual and fresh renewal with Catholicism. Helping parishes by implementing a step-by-step style of direction with audio recorded material for pastors, ministry leaders and organization members. Following a well established philosophy towards religion, Renew International works to help others their augment lives via faith, this of course maintains the notion to keep important Catholic traditions well into praxis.

Renew International has multiple outreach initiatives that incorporate non-traditional approaches to connect with members of the Catholic church. Some of these programs reach out to very specific age groups, like people in their 20s or 30s. Through informal and light hearted meeting at cafes and eateries, everyday issues are discussed allowing for a spiritual perception to foster on such matters.

I believe this initiative exists in the Middle East today, you just have to look for it. I find it second nature discussing faith openly here in the West, mainly due to the secular methodology of the way things are done here. Ironically and interestingly it has birthed a large group of the liberal and faithful.