Orianthi, Australian singer-songwriter, can play some serious guitar! At only 25 years of age, she has played with/for Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, and Michael Jackson. She was hand-picked to be lead guitarist for the "This Is It" tour before Michael's death.

Lead guitarist. For Michael Jackson. At 25. Amazing.

Maybe what's more amazing is that she's been playing the guitar for 19 years, plays it well, and is super-humble about it. Check out the videos on her MySpace page if you don't believe me.

This 12-track CD titled "Believe (II)" is a mixture of rock and country with a touch of pop. She has a fantastically warm voice that fills up the room just as well as that guitar of hers. Each track has instant radio-playability and displays her range both as a singer and guitarist. You've probably already heard "According to You" on the radio which has a nice anthemic f-you sort of theme. It'll probably be played loudly from cars all summer long. I really love her country-ish version of "Missing You" originally sung by John Waite in the 80s. She must have picked up a little influence from Miss Underwood.

Where Orianthi really shines is with "Highly Strung," a 4:08 instrumental. She makes that guitar sing and dance and parts of it remind me so much of Eric Johnson. It's not indulgent, and you can tell she really loves what she does for a living. More power to you, Orianthi!

Have a look-see at her MySpace page for upcoming tour dates.