As everyone's favorite child actress turned folk indie rock Goddess, it's easy to see how Jenny Lewis has become pretty universally known. Since the hiatus of Rilo Kiley, Lewis has been busy working on solo albums, collaborations, tours and guest appearances. Excluding her 2010 duo album with boyfriend Johnathan Rice (aka the envy of all hispter guys and most girls) album I'm Having Fun Now, Lewis hasn't released a solo album since 2008. Where Acid Tongue left off with melodic down to earth folk, The Voyager comes back with enticing soulful pop that feels like a more experienced Rilo Kiley.
The album was produced by Ryan Adams (except Head Underwater and You Can't Outrun Them which was produced by Jenny and Johnny) and featuring guest spots from Lou Barlow (Sebadoh and Dinosaur Jr.), Z Berg (The Like), Beck, the Section Quartet and many more. The opening song Head Underwater starts out as dreamy sorrowful pop song but then comes at you with enough energy to get your body moving or inspire a Kevin Bacon in a Warehouse dance breakdown. She's Not Mine has a bit of funk inspired grooves. The gender swapping single Just One of the Guys is a catchy dreamy song, and the music video is pretty great too. The rock anthem Slippery Slop feels very power driven. Late Bloomer really shows off her range and feels like a gritty ballad. On the B-Side, you start out with another gritty feeling song, You Can't Out Run 'Em, which could easily be a B-Side on Under the Blacklight. The New You is a great pop song that can fit right in the soundtrack of a coming of age chick flick (I say that as a compliment). Aloha & The Three Johns feels like something out of I'm Having Fun Now's b-sides, very playful. The simple beats and bass of Love U Forever will keep your feet taping. Closing the album is Voyager, which almost bookends what Head Underwater has opened up with another dreamy pop song that is a bit more up-lifting and more at peace with itself.
The one defining aspect of Jenny Lewis is her amazing voice. She can do pop, country jams, soul, or folk. Hell, I'd buy a metal album if she decided to do one. I was really excited about this release since it was announced, and I was not disappointed. A solid addition to any collection. You can buy the album or bundle at Jenny's official Warner Brothers Store, but the bundle no longer includes the Vinyl which can be purchased almost anywhere, but on Amazon for 22.99
BONUS PAIRING - Tour Dates
Don't forget that Jenny Lewis is also on tour right now. Click here for tour dates! And if you're from LA, be sure to check out her show at the Wiltern Aug 09 before she plays SF Outside Lands Fest.Happy Hunting!
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