Many of the lyrics that buzz over the airwaves of FM pop stations these days are bursting with messages about heartache or journeys to self-discovery. These days, hearing a song that conveys a new message is about as common as a Loch Ness Monster sighting. In order for an artist to be truly recognizable in the ever-growing swarm of musicians, his or her songs must not only captivate listeners, but must remind them of the pivotal moments in the listener’s own journeys.

In the new, self-titled album Lights, an 18-year-old Toronto girl accomplishes both.

The bubbling techno beat on the album’s first track “Ice” meshes perfectly with the artist’s sensual, pouty voice. Lights empowers her listeners when she ruthlessly cries, “I’ll make a bet that you’ll be better to forget about me.”

Using only a few accusatory lines, Lights manages to relate to listeners frustrated and trapped in dead-end relationships. She declares, “All I see is you not feeling and you’re giving me nothing.”

The track “Drive My Soul” demands listeners to question their sense of self as its dark imagery paints a picture of a world lacking certainty and inspiration. She sings, “Seems somebody burned up the signs, I can’t expect the hard curves. There’s no borders, there are no lines. How can I know where to turn?” The lyrics convey the uncertainty of self-recognition. As Lights describes her travel through a desolate space, she doubts her ability to persevere, and listeners are forced to follow in her footsteps.

The bouncy melody of “February Air” creates an overwhelming sense of tranquility. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a lazy Saturday spent lounging by the fire. Though the lyrics are simple, they are far from dull. Delivered in an eerie, whispy tone, the words convey the chilly, bleak feel of the title.

On her Web site, www.myspace.com/lightsnoise, Lights said she wants her music to make people happy — “not sexy happy but apple-pie happy.”

That’s the best quality about this six-track album. It’s in-your-face, yet humble.

“If my music could be drawn I would picture it like a comic, with simple border lines and bright colors,” Lights added. “On first glance there is a nice composition, but upon closer inspection there is a deeper story.”

Simply put, she’s right. And the “deeper story” is a compelling one.

Unlike Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Lights isn’t portrayed as a dominatrix or an irresistible sex goddess. Her lyrics aren’t loaded with innuendos or explicit images. The album offers a refreshing alternative to the music that’s already out there.

Reach contributing writer Katie McVicker at arts@dailyuw.com.