“On The Line” Jenny Lewis
Alternative rock. Jenny Lewis got her start as the lead singer in Rilo Kiley. She was also a child actress with a number of highly visible movie and TV roles to her credit. She began her solo career in 2006, and “On The Line” is her fourth solo release. Lewis has really come into her own on this record — producing one of the best indie rock albums of 2019 — showcasing her storytelling gifts and musicianship. The lyrics are full of detailed references, and examine life and love, sex and drugs, learning and losing, and in the end, emerging the better for it all. Lewis assembled some incredible musicians to assist on the album, including drummers Jim Keltner and Ringo Starr, Benmont Tench, Don Was, and Beck. Exceptional work!
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 3, 10, 6, 11, 4, 9. No FCCs detected.

1. (5:13) Heads Gonna Roll — Moody, piano-driven power-pop anthem, propelled by two drummers: session musician, Jim Keltner, and former Beatle, Ringo Starr. Fabulous organ solo. Brilliant opener! ****
2. (4:13) Wasted Youth — Charming, lightly tripping rock with a stop-and-go beat, chiming guitar and synth. About how we all deal with addictions, whether it’s the “poppy,” bourbon or Candy Crush. ***
3. (4:49) Red Bull & Hennessy — Straight-ahead driving rock anthem with a solid backbeat and sexy lyrics. Piano and rocking guitar. Almost a Stevie Nicks vibe. ****
4. (4:35) Hollywood Lawn — Rolling, old-timey rock feeling — swaying like at a slow dance. Wonderful organ line. ***
5. (3:54) Do Si Do — Somewhat, sing-song-y melody. Strong beat. Synths and tinkling piano. About a friend who went off his psych meds too quickly.
6. (4:29) Dogwood — Hazy, slightly bluesy piano ballad. Swelling and swirling, moving from soft to loud and back, with guitar and big drums at times. ***
7. (4:09) Party Clown — Playful funhouse music. Lyrics about biting into a Fuji apple and taking a strange psychedelic trip.
8. (4:49) Little White Dove — Funky melody with a cool bass line and rhythm track. Almost a trip-hop beat. Personal lyrics about reconciling with her mom just before her mom passed away from cancer.
9. (4:28) Taffy — Sweet and sentimental piano ballad. Fragile vocals. The highlight of the record in illustrating Lewis’ ability to observe and tell compelling stories about life events. Rich orchestral accompaniment. ***
10. (3:49) On The Line — Perfect pop standard love song. Piano and full rock arrangement, with a strong backbeat and soaring guitar in the lead break. ****
11. (2:47) Rabbit Hole — Lewis says this song was added to the set as a coda. (“On The Line” was supposed to be the closer.) Strummed guitar, synth strings and rich harmonies. Lyrics sung to a former lover about not making the same mistakes the second time around. ***