Let me preface this review by noting that I adore Jenny Lewis.
Ever since I heard the song ‘Portions for Foxes’ as a lost 20-something, I felt truly seen. Introduced by my then will-they / won’t-they love-interest to the album More Adventurous, I subsequently ruined the Rilo Kiley for them, always to be reminded of me by one of their formerly favourite song.
It began my descent into all things mournfully melodic, and I have happily been a fan of Jenny Lewis ever since, in many iterations. From the early angst-ridden introspective lyrics as front woman of Rilo Kiley to the indie-pop bops of Jenny and Johnny. I was eagerly awaiting Joy’All’s release, and as such, was concerned that I would be biased and wanted to set my stall out straight away.
Reader, I needn’t have worried.
Now I started to panic in the other direction. How exactly did I feel about it? What was my actual opinion? I did not have any immediate vibes.
WHERE WERE THE VIBES, JENNY?!
I spent some more time listening, experimenting with my environment. In the shower, whilst at work, a scenic drive along the coast. I was waiting for that magic moment: for sparks, to feel so excited by what I’m hearing I want to shout it from the rooftops.
Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the energy of some of the next generation misery peddlers of the day (looking at you, boygenius). Could it be that I’m not that into this album? But then, I realise. I’ve spent weeks not only listening to Joy’All but living it, singing it – unprompted. At just over half an hour long, Joy’All is an easy listen. It’s energetic, easy-going. It’s enjoyable.
Throughout all of her musical projects, Lewis has leaned into each album; wearing the same white-dip-dye suit for every show during the Voyager era, and as the epitome of glamour, all back-combing and bosom for On the Line, the look reflective of the sound. As former child actress, she understands the value of showmanship. It’s part of her charm and sets each album apart – and Lewis apart from her contemporaries.
In that respect, Joy’all is no different. Taking us on another twist and turn, this time towards Country and old-school Rock’n’Roll, the inspiration is apparent as Lewis has been dividing her time between Nashville and LA in the last few years. The dress code so far? In line with the album’s 70s country compilation aesthetic: fringed shirts and big buckled belts, m’aam.
It would be fair to say that Lewis has done her fair share of evolving. “My forties are kicking my ass and handing them to me in a margarita glass,” she reveals on “Puppy and a Truck,” probably the most quotable song on the album. She’s been open about writing ‘Puppy and a Truck’ and indeed several of Joy’All’s tracks, on a virtual songwriting workshop during the pandemic. Led by Beck, the group were tasked with penning a song a day for seven days, inspired by prompts. While I would generally argue the listener shouldn’t be able to tell this (and you can, sometimes) – it doesn’t necessarily make it a bad thing.
Joy’All is filled with a number of earworms. Take ‘Cherry Baby’ where Lewis sings that she falls in love “too easy… with anyone who touches me, fucks with me…” before launching into the super catchy chorus about the titular Cherry.
While ‘Giddy Up’ is a hot take on sexy lounge singer seduction– it’s my least favourite. But maybe I’m a massive prude, and hearing someone sing “we’re both adults” makes me feel a little queasy…. it certainly takes me a long way from being bad news, baby, two decades prior. ‘Essence of Life’ is soulful and soothing, while despite lending its name to the album title, ‘Joy’All’ is joyful, but a little too repetitive for my liking.
Another slow number, ‘Apples and Oranges,’ is my stand out track. Referring, in this instance, to the incomparable differences between old lover and new… “he’s hot and he’s cool, he just isn’t you…he just isn’t you.” Lewis notes, “isn’t love gorgeous” – and I would agree that this track is, too. Maybe that’s the beauty of Joy’All, and of having a long-term relationship with an artist like Lewis. It might not give you immediate thrills, but it’s a different kind of love. The comfortable kind, the one you slip into without needing to try too hard… the one that will “kiss you in the morning (and) tuck you in at night.”
To conclude: In my humble opinion, Joy’All, is probably not a must- listen. But you should listen. And you’ll probably enjoy it, too.
Words by Kate Helen
Picky Bastards 
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