Debut from Norwegian rocker who recalls Chrissy Hynde and the Strokes.

Ida Marie's 2009 debut is a refreshing blast of taught, hook-heavy rock & roll that recalls the Strokes and provides a nice alternative to the slew of confessional, indie-girl singer-songwriters of the late '00s. That's not to say that the young Norwegian singer, whose rough plaintive vocals recall prime Chrissy Hynde, is shy about what's on her mind. She declares "I like you so much better/when you're naked," on the single of the same name, and wryly dishes about good drugs and 43-year-old hookers on "Stella." Marie and her band are fond of rousing rockers with big sing along choruses, yet they're also capable of more intimate moments, as on "Keep Me Warm."