When I heard that Conor Oberst was releasing a solo album this year, I thought to myself, “SHUT UP.”

OK, let’s be real. I screamed and jumped up and down like a 5-year-old. There are few things in life that I am extremely dramatic about, and music is definitely one of them. 

When I was 15 my boyfriend at the time introduced me to Ben Gibbard, Iron & Wine, and Bright Eyes. I would lay in my bed with posters plastered all over my bedroom walls and would listen to my mix CDs featuring these artists, among others, over and over again. I fell in love, specifically with Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes.

With his gorgeous, trembling voice accompanied by the acoustic guitar, there has always been something so raw and real about listening to Oberst for me.

Many bands try to sound perfect- to sound auto-tuned without actually sounding auto-tuned. But Oberst is real. He is natural. There is something in his voice that I found comfort in, especially on days I didn’t want to live anymore.

His sensitive lyrics and pure unadulterated feelings that he shared with his listeners saved me. “First Day Of My Life” and “Lua” from of his 2005 album, “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning,” made me keep going. With a fresh dose of hope, it helped me to acknowledge my depression but continue on anyways.

“Oh, You Are The Roots That Sleep Beneath My Feet And Hold The Earth In Place” became my ideal for relationships. Basically, Oberst played a large part in helping me grow up and figure things out during that point of my life.

Needless to say, I am so excited for May 19 when his album, “Upside Down Mountain,” is released via Nonesuch Records.

Language is such an important part of Oberst as an artist, which is evident from his lyrics and the simplicity of the instruments he chooses to include. Just last week, he released two tracks on iTunes as a preview for his new album. “Hundreds of Way” and “Governor’s Ball” leaves me craving more. I am curious about the route he will take to continue the album, and I am in complete anticipation of it.

What I love about Oberst is that he stays true to himself while continuing to evolve as an artist. So far, he seems to have incorporated a few more instruments into this album, but it’s so tasteful. The focus is still on his vocals and lyrics, and the instruments do absolutely nothing to detract from that. I believe that is why so many people fall in love with his music, because of its simplicity and freshness.

It seems as if this album will be a bit more extravagant than his previous ones, but I’m not worried. Oberst is stubborn, and he’ll stick to his guns. Go check out his first two tracks off of his album and wait with me for May 19.