Again, it’s not really even that big of a criticism. It’s just something I hope she improves on and is what t I’d personally like to see. Not even that major. Lyrically and vocally she’s kills it on this thing. The layered harmonies are so welcomed, and are really making the record for me. Her voice keeps sounding bettter and better. Like you said, instrumentation can make you notice “variety” less so as she adds more it won’t be a big deal.
That’s something I have to remember. Since she’s blown up so much I forget sometimes that’s she is only on her sophomore album. This is definitely a big step up, and has potential to be better than some of those 2nd releases from the bands you referenced.
I just finished my first listen. Glad I wanted for my vinyl Just...wow. I’m emotionally drained. What a beautiful album.
Brand new and Manchester have real interesting structures.. but so does this album, don’t get that complaint at all, just bc there’s a climax in most songs?
I can’t think of a genre or style of good music not written that way? There’s full songs on here where shes reserved as well, and that’s a nice change up, but I love those big rising action moments.
First listen was one of the most visceral reactions I've ever had to an album. More chills that I've ever experienced - listening at night on my balcony in the dark. The part of "Sour Breath" when the music cuts and it's just vocals ... the end of that track ... the final two minutes of the album ... so many small details that just really dig in, just a truly unbelievable and cathartic listen. Her vocal dynamic - both in terms of control and range - on this album is so incredible. Somehow this manages to be even better than Sprained Ankle - and significantly at that. "Sour Breath" is my favorite on early listens. Also "Hurt Less" and "Claws in Your Back."
I’m going to try not to be hyperbolic when saying any of this, and I know I’m going to ramble quite a bit, but man... Julien is a just a truly special kind of songwriter. There’s no way around it. My local record store had a “listening party” around six that I went to for my first listen. Somewhere beginning towards the end of “Turn Out the Lights” and the end of “Televangelist” everyone kinda went quiet. It held that kind of attention. So I got ripped on gin and went home to finally listen to it in full, on my own. And it hit me like a ton of bricks. For me, as a relatively strong liberal and the son of an extremely conservative Christian Pastor, there’s just something poignant, striking, and absurdly relatable about an openly gay Christian from the south struggling with addiction and heartbreak and being so honest about it. And also (unlike me), still being openly committed to faith. I just feel connected to this in a serious way. And even if I didn’t have that connection, there’s just no denying the quality of pure songwriting ability being displayed here. I just really love this record, YAAL.
i feel kinda bad for downloading but i wanna hear so bad and dont know if i can wait till tomorrow anymore lol. its a night leading into a day off too so time to drink/smoke and enjoy a new record from one of my favs.
Feel like getting sappy with y'all after taking time to read the lyrics for the first time. There's something incredible in listening to an openly gay, anxiety-ridden woman who still has her faith sing about wanting to live and accepting her flaws. I struggle with my faith on the daily as a gay person as well as social anxiety and I had yet to find someone put my thoughts into lyrics until I heard SA way back when. I think that's why I connect with her so deeply. I really love this record, guys. Likely going to get a flower from the record in a few weeks.
Everything That Helps You Sleep sounds straight like a worship song. Kind of me throws me back into that world.
Where can I purchase any cool vinyl variants tomorrow? Matador? I heard there was an Orange variant. Missed out on the purple splatter. This album is incredible so far, I can see it being #2 of the year for me
Just got through my first few listens. Some thoughts: - Tops Sprained Ankle in every way for me - “Over” is a fantastic intro track - While it musically didn’t hit me as hard as everyone else I think, “Shadowboxing” is amazing from a lyrical perspective. The imagery is breathtaking. Great song overall. - The end of “Sour Breath” is gorgeous. - Love the amount of space you can feel Baker is in, specifically on “Televangelist” when you listen to the decay on her melodies trail off from the reverb. - “Hurt Less” is amazing and those harmony vocals totally sold it for me. - “Claws in Your Back” was extraordinary. What a way to end a record. The ending explosion from her voice just absolutely shattered me into pieces. Cried, and cried hard. Incredible record. What an achievement. I think some songs still need to grow on me some more but this is easily in my top 5 of the year. Way to go, Julien. Worth the wait. Can’t wait to see what she does from here.
Not seeing Televangelist getting singled out much here but damn I think it might be one of my favourite. That part when the organ kicks in (or whatever it is, I don't know instruments). Mmmmmmmm
I also think Televangelist is my fav on first listen. First time through was really tiring so I'll definitely need some more time to see how much I like it.
I listen to music every night to follow asleep, basically can't sleep without my iPod. Just put it on shuffle until I fade away. Been doing it for 10 years or so. Listening to this in bed last night, this album wouldn't let me fall asleep. It demanded my full attention. I just laid there in the dark staring at my sleeping wife next to me while Julien poured her soul out in my ears. I woke up sad.
On each listen something different has hit me incredibly hard and made me tear up a bit. What a special record.