“Joy’all” Jenny Lewis
Perhaps inspired by her move from Las Vegas to Nashville, Lewis’ 5th solo album sees her adding a bit more Americana to her catchy indie pop stylings. The former Rilo Kiley frontwoman worked with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, John Prine and more) and brought in accomplished session musicians to round out the cast. The album’s title (pronounced joy y’all) underscores Lewis’ belief in the value of “pursuing happiness” as a life philosophy. While the music is generally light, there are hints of 90s R&B and soul, as well as country and traditional singer-songwriter. RIYL: Rilo Kiley, Courtney Barnett, Neko Case, Sharon Van Etten.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 3, 9, 2, 7, 6, 10. FCCs on originals of 1,3, 4 and 7 — all edited.

1. (3:05) Psychos (Radio Edit) — Simple and strummy. Wistful, reflective lyrics. Some synths and occasional pedal steel guitar. 2nd single. ****
2. (3:45) Joy’all — Funky groove with a skittering rhythm, intricate bass line and handclaps. ***
3. (3:11) Puppy And A Truck (Radio Edit) — Cute, catchy, bongo-based ditty about approaching the ancient age of 45 — and dealing with it by getting a puppy and a truck. Ends with a yap. 1st single. ****
4. (3:47) Apples And Oranges (Radio Edit) — Slower stroll, with a halting rhythm and Lewis’ lilting vocals and prominent backing harmonies.
5. (3:36) Essence Of Life — Fragile ballad. Flowing orchestral soundscape, shimmering guitars and simple backbeat accompanying Lewis’ powerful emotive vocals.
6. (3:01) Giddy Up — Eerie and mysterious. Breathy vocals. Soulful backing. Reminds me of an Arcade Fire song with Régine Chassagne on lead vocals. ***
7. (2:27) Cherry Baby (Radio Edit) — Simple swing, with a rhythm that combines drumming and handclaps on the beats — like a throwback to the girl pop of the 60s. ***
8. (3:14) Love Feel — Chugging alt country tune. Emerged from a songwriting workshop led by Beck, where the assignment was to use lyrics that were all clichés. Sing-songy vocals.
9. (2:44) Balcony — Another light pop tune, but with a galloping rhythm and lush Skeeter Davis-like lead vocals. (The cover photo is an homage to 60s country and pop star singer-songwriter Davis, with Lewis wearing one of Skeeter’s classic costumes. ****
10. (3:11) Chain Of Tears — Blend of 60s pop and 90s R&B in the closer. Vocals almost spoken at times, with nice harmonies the rest of the way. Swelling synths. Ends with a flourish. ***
11. (3:05) Psychos (Unedited) — Unedited version of Track 1. (FCC: sh-t — 3 times)
12. (3:11) Puppy And A Truck (Unedited) — Unedited version of Track 3. (FCC: f-ck — 2 times)
13. (3:47) Apples And Oranges (Unedited) — Unedited version of Track 4. (FCC: f-cking — 3 times)
14. (2:27) Cherry Baby (Unedited) — Unedited version of Track 7. (FCC: f-cks)