Ys (studio album) by Joanna Newsom

Enchanting stuff - one gets the sense that this music sort of just effortlessly flows out of Joanna. This does result in some moments of indulgent meandering, but the highlights are stunning.

Another beautiful album from Joanna Newsom who really knows how to make a grand and rich experience for the listener. Her instrumentation is just fantastic as her harp guides us through this album whilst the other instrumentals build upon this. This creates a lush soundscape which is full of depth and layers which means you can revisit this album time and time again and still spot new things. The performances from every musician on here is outstanding and it really feels like you are listening to masters at work. Her sound has come along way with it being more refined and clean on this release and the music feels more cohesive as every song works together so well. Her song writing is excellent again and her vocal delivery is fantastic. Some people may find it too harsh or abrasive but for me it adds an additional edge to the music that provides a nice contrast to the delicate and beautiful instrumentation. Overall, Joanna Newsom is a phenomenal musician and this only adds to this argument with her discography being one of the most consistent in music.

From ffudnebbuh 10/28/2022 04:22

really like this album, all of her music. First heard her (Sprout and the bean) in the background of the movie "The strangers'...

It took me a while to get it.

She sounds a bit like Cerys Matthews from Catatonia (the Mulder & Scully song). Not a bad thing. Just a bit unusual.

It took me to the Only Skin track to get used to the style here.

I can see myself listening to this again and getting more of it. And perhaps at one point become enamored with it. It's that kind of album.

From Jboy56 02/21/2022 13:44

Listeners who do not like Björk, or Kate Bush, beware. I could have liked this album more without her childlike voice. The music was yet pleasing and oozed sentiments and beauty. A difficult combination to many I suppose?

A meandering mess. I like my folk music with at least a hint of pop songwriting influence.

From rockbluesfolkjaz 11/23/2021 21:39

I enjoy hearing new music, and I've been on a folk craze lately. This is a pleasant, yet different, sounding batch of alternative-folk songs. The instrumentation, strings, keyboards, and orchestration complement the vocal nicely.

From VictorVale 07/31/2021 17:46

Belíssimo. Imensa força e profundidade! As cordas são extraordinárias!

A very meditative in structure, her vocals totally deliver her imagery lyrics in a beautiful way. Quite hard to get into IMO, but, during my mental breakdown phase, this totally calms me down.

The vocals are the most puzzling aspect of this album for me. Sometimes they offer an eye-opening experience, but for the most part they are like a "keep out" sign that stops you from exploring all the almost magical stuff that's going on here.