Musician, songwriter and model Joanna Newsom recently released her third album, “Have One On Me,” this year, four years after the success of her prior record “Ys” and her introductory effort “The Milk-Eyed Mender.”
“Have One On Me” is epic in its song content, track length and the unique presentation and format of the album: three compact discs or LPs, depending upon the listener’s preference, that add up to two hours of music. It’s quite the effort for any artist to take on and present to fans, but it also affirms that Newsom is intent on outdoing herself with each new work and still desires to wow those who’ve come to appreciate her idyllic, indie folk rock hybrid sound.
The entire album gives off a lighthearted ‘70s vibe yet still stays true to Newsom’s expected instrumental buffet of whimsical and nature-themed tracks throughout each disc.
The first CD offers the album’s title track, which impressively boasts a unique rock opera temperament within the span of 11 minutes. The track begins slow paced and jazzy yet returns to Newsom standards of lighthearted beauty then goes on to sound more classically trained and ends with British folk stylings. “I’m your little light giver/ I will give you light” builds as the vocals combine with drums, piano, and violin and create quite the climax.
On the second disc, the second track “You and Me, Bess” stands out as a lovely and wandering song. “Stayed for the winter/ no one told us about the laws of the land/ I hold my own but you with your hunger/ you and the other hand” all wraps up in classic Newsom way – gorgeous vocals, intriguing lyrics and music that builds and builds and seems to affirm the artist should always have a symphony backing her.
“Kingfisher” off the album’s last disc offers up a chamber pop explosion, very much reminiscent of earlier “Ys” tracks all rolled into one. Fans of the prior album will rejoice over this track, and possibly yearn for more of that in “Have One On Me.”
While Newsom’s newest effort continues to affirm that the artist is a hardworking and singular artist that can’t be pegged into one genre, the format of the album creates problems for the listener in that a few tracks become hard to recall and certain songs run into each other because of the multiple discs. Other than this issue, “Have One On Me” remains a testament to Newsom’s dedication to range, abilities, innovation and dedicated musicianship.
Joanna Newsom plays the Moore in Seattle on Aug. 4 with support from Robin Pecknold. For more information, to listen to the album or purchase it, visit her website at http://www.dragcity.com/artists/joanna-newsom.
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