Baby Man

“Baby Man” Fruit Bats
11th album from the indie folk singer-songwriter, Eric D. Johnson. Originally from Chicago, Johnson now lives and works in L.A. He typically records with a band, consisting of various artists on the different albums. But “Baby Man” is more of a personal project, sparked when he was inspired to write a few songs between albums — and suddenly realized, he had enough for an ‘interim’ album. At its essence, this is simple folk music — more stripped-down than Johnson’s recent work. The ten tracks feature solo guitar, piano and Johnson’s lyrics that are perhaps a little more personal than on other albums. RIYL: Bonny Light Horseman (Johnson is a member of that trio), Vetiver, M. Ward and Andy Shauf.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 10. No FCCs noted.

1. (2:02) Let You People Down — Wistful, melancholic and self-critical, with gentle strummed guitar and a measured tempo. ****
2. (3:13) Two Thousand Four — Rolling, reflective piano ballad. Beautiful. ****
3. (2:12) Stuck In My Head Again — The short, captivating lead single. Fingerpicked guitar under Johnson’s expressive vocals. ****
4. (3:02) Baby Man — A meditative composition, set over an airy soundscape, with Johnson musing about his place in the universe and what rebirth could be like. ****
5. (3:19) Creature From The Wild — Johnson’s heartfelt tribute to his family’s rescue dog, who passed away after many years. ***
6. (3:08) I Puddle Jumper — A simple poem set to song, with fingerpicked guitar. Johnson apparently wrote this shortly before the album was recorded.
7. (3:55) First Girl I Loved — Cover of The Incredible String Band’s 1967 composition. Sentimental memories of youthful love, conveyed in a pensive piano ballad.
8. (3:08) Moon’s Too Bright — Spare, fingerpicked guitar as Johnson sings about dealing with frustration and regret.
9. (2:05) Building A Cathedral — Short, strummy, guitar-based tune about leaving a legacy. Reportedly inspired by a tarot card reading Johnson had. Synth is layered in partway through.
10. (3:01) Year Of The Crow — Haunting and soulful. Stunning, crystalline piano under Johnson’s emotive, bluesy vocals. ***