The notoriously shy, bearded LaMontagne's life was like a blues song (six siblings, moving from town-to-town, a violent father, dead-end job, etc.) until he heard Stills' song Treetop Flyer. It acted as an epiphany, persuading LaMontagne to pursue a career as a musician... and lucky for us that he did.

Trouble is the first single off his debut album of the same name (originally released in 2004 on a small indie label) and it's breathtakingly beautiful.

The song is strong, the lyrics emotive and LaMontagne's voice mesmerizing. He has the same emotional depth as Jeff Buckley and is a gravelly fusing of Otis Redding and Van Morrison. Hailed by Radio 1 and 2 alike, Ray LaMontagne is a true talent. If you thought Damien Rice was passionate and poignant, you ain't heard nothing yet. Buy this single.

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