6/29/16: My young musician friend Amy posted this video on Facebook, and knowing what a good ear she’s got, I gave it a listen. So glad I did.

Meet 25-year-old Long Island singer/songwriter Jon Bellion. He’s got the rhythmic genius of Jason Mraz, the dulcet tones of Adam Young from Owl City, and the storytelling skill of Taylor Swift. It’s a powerfully adorable combination.

“Your heart’s been dragged from left to right
Your soul’s in limbo
To suffocate your open mind
He closed the window”

Run Wild by Jon Bellion

As slick and fun as his produced stuff is, I think it’s the one-take acoustic versions that will stick with me. They’re a great test of true talent, and he’s got buckets and buckets of the stuff.

It’s all very likeable and very listenable and it kind of sneaks up on you. I had a ton of fun listening to everything of his I could find, and he’s going to end up on every one of my playlists. He says everything he records is targeted at getting his music into a Disney/Pixar movie. I would say he’s doing a helluva job, and if they don’t hire him soon, they’re missing a big opportunity.