Download these free MP3s through Friday at nypost.com
Carrie Underwood, “So Small”
Underwood had multi-platinum success with her debut disc and she’s hoping to tap in to that again with her sophomore album, “Carnival Ride,” featuring this lushly inspirational ballad about how love trumps all, accompanied by swelling strings and a chorus that builds until it overflows with emotion.
Bo Bice, “Witness”
Best known as the Southern rocker who reached second place (to Carrie Underwood’s first) on “American Idol,” the Alabaman goes back to his country, soul and blues roots.
Dave Gahan, “Deeper and Deeper”
The former Depeche Mode lead singer puts even more distance between himself and the ’80s synth-pop band on this track off his second solo album. His growls and distorted synths result in an industrial edge that gets backup from pounding beats and aggressively sexy lyrics. He’ll sing at the SoHo Apple Store tonight at 8.
The Shake, “Manic Boogie”
This young New York quartet’s debut record, “Kick It,” is full of highly addictive music clearly influenced by British Invasion bands, Lower East Side garage rock, jazz and punk. Their latest single is a catchy, boogie- and funk-laden track with a blues-y guitar solo. Catch them at Club Midway on Saturday night.
Nico Vega, “Wooden Dolls”
MySpace put its musical stamp of approval on the buzzed-about Los Angeles-based trio by releasing their EP “No Child Left Behind” earlier this month. Slower than the rest of their songs, this track has a haunting – yet fierce – quality to it, thanks to singer Aja Volkman’s raw, sultry voice. They perform with the Shout Out Louds at Bowery Ballroom on Thursday.