If you haven’t fallen in love with Sharon Van Etten yet, you will very soon. Her voice is haunting and inviting all at the same time. The lyrics are all the things you are thinking but never could find the right words for.

2012 has been going supremely well for the beloved Sharon Van Etten. The year kicked off with her debut performance on late night television; her stunning new album, Tramp, unleashed on the world via, Jagjaguwar, and was surrounded by a flurry of amazing press, including a profile in The New York Times Magazine and a rave review on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

The shimmering sound of Sharon Van Etten’s Jagjaguwar debut album, Tramp, both defies and illuminates the unsteadiness of a life in flux. Throughout the 14 months of scattered recording sessions, Van Etten was without a home -- crashing with friends and storing her possessions between varied locations. The only constant in Van Etten's life during this time was spent in the garage studio of The National's Aaron Dessner. 

After hearing Van Etten's instantly unmistakable voice early on, Dessner covered epic's "Love More" with Justin Vernon. When Van Etten found out, she contacted Dessner, and almost immediately they formed plans for working together. Dessner offered both a location for Van Etten to record new songs, as well as the opinions of a wise producer. 

One year later, and Van Etten unveils Tramp, an assured and strident album showcasing an artist in full control of her powers. With her third album, Van Etten's words and voice are now two parts of an evocative whole. Given the space to experiment, Van Etten pushed herself deeper than ever before. Her previous records have been subtle and powerful – at once heartbreaking, luminous, intricate and beautiful. Now lush and triumphant, this is a fresh vision Van Etten has realized with the same grace that made her first two releases so enduring. Tramp contains as much striking rock as pious, minimal beauty; it can be as emotionally combative as it can sultry. Contributions from Zach Condon (Beirut), Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), Matt Barrick (The Walkmen), Julianna Barwick, and Dessner himself add a glowing sheen to the already substantial offering.

Come witness musical genius THIS Friday at Mayday.