Over the last 4 years one of my favorite new folk rock bands have been the Civil Wars, consisting of vocalist Joy Williams and talented guitarist John Paul White. Together they produced 2 wonderful albums (Barton Hollow; 2011 and a Self Titled Civil Wars Album; 2013). Despite the seemingly effortless transition of working together, the duo were no longer producing beautiful music, and soon their relationship had soured out of studio leading to an inevitable breakup of the Civil Wars.
I was however excited to hear that Joy Williams was going to be releasing a new solo album “Venus” (2015), something she had put aside for the last 5 years, and the first full length effort since the 2005 effort “Genesis” a highly renowned album in the Contemporary Christian market. Her sound has evolved and matured since then and this shows in a mostly sad album based on breakup and what could have been (similar to an Elliott Smith’s Figure 8 album with an attempt to revisit the emotion of a Tori Amos 90’s track).
Venus begins with a strong track, “Before I Sleep“, which has an ethereal view and a song you can really picture yourself getting lost in (and possibly hear in a dramatic movie scene). The second track “Sweet Love of Mine” starts with an eerie feel, and the lyrics are consumed with emotion. The pace of the album keeps you on an emotional roller coaster, going from a fast song to a slow song. Track 3 “Woman (Oh Mama)” really brings this into full fold. The song is an attempt to walk away from sadness and into a stronger sense of self. The song itself falls short in my opinion and becomes very repetitive very quickly.
Track 4 “One Day I Will” takes a depressive stab to the album letting you know this “breakup” might take awhile and seemingly the song doesn’t stick with you like it should. Track 5 “Not Good Enough” puts Joy in the mood of trying to figure out why? Why the heartache, and why the search for perfection? A good song that is searching for a longer chorus. Track 6 “What a Good Woman Does” begins with a slow message reflecting the end of a relationship war and giving up on trying to make it work.
Track 7 “Until the Levee” is a strong track that still lacks the strive for repetitive listening. Track 8 “You Loved Me” throws out a feeling of failure in a relationship on a personal level. The strong ultimately gets locked into the chorus. Track 9 “The Dying Kind” keeps the album moving at a slowish “Portishead” type pace. The song isn’t overly catchy, but on repeat listens could become a favorite on the album. Track 10 “Till Forever” is a brooding song that longs for the moments that were good memories and still seeking hope to love again in a relationship. Track 11 “Welcome Home” feels like a dream that love is alive again and things are going to be good again after a long dark spell. The ultimate “hopeful” track for this thematic album.
The latest effort for Joy Williams leaves me wanting more tracks like the opening song and less of the 2nd half of the album. Joy Williams is a wonderful talent and I’m hoping her next album will show more energy in conveying her message whether it is of happiness or heartbreak. Venus is a good album, but I think she has a masterpiece waiting to be made in future attempts.
Overall, this is an album coming from a heartbroken perspective and it’s laced in the healing process.
You can also connect with Joy Williams via YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
I participated in the Joy WIlliams Venus album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.
I like Civil Wars. I like knowing new artists and her music sounds awesome. Thanks for letting me know about her. She sounds promising!
Don’t think I have heard of Joy Williams before. Interesting sound, thanks for shaing
Carra D recently posted..Snacking with Almond Nut Thins
I have never heard of her before, but I will check her out for sure. I am always looking for new music.
I LOVE Civil Wars (I was so bummed they broke it.) I was excited to hear that Joy Williams was releasing a solo album. Can’t wait to download it <3
Angelic Sinova recently posted..Must Have: June 2015
This is all totally new to me. Thanks so much for sharing. I really like it. Great video too and listen to the words something to really think about it.
XmasDolly recently posted..Springtime is Here! WW
Hearing about a lot of new things lately and Joy Williams is one of them too. Anyway, she has an interesting kind of music. Thanks for sharing about her to us.
RUBZONLINE recently posted..Share More Than a Photo, Share the Experience with Veems
I love hearing new artists. This sounds like an album I would really enjoy listening to. I will check it out.
Dina Demarest recently posted..The Essential Wellness Essential Oil Diffuser Giveaway
I LOVE the Civil Wars, and I’m so excited that Joy put out her own album! I’ve listen to bits and pieces, and I love everything I’ve heard so far. She’s gonna be great on her own!
Erica @ The Crumby Cupcake recently posted..Nutella Cheesecake Donuts
That music video is super mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing – had no idea Joy has her own album.
Jacob Fu recently posted..15 Summer Reads for 2015
This sounds like really good music. Thanks for sharing.
Miranda Myrabev recently posted..{GBU} The Happening ~ WEEK ELEVEN
I have never heard of this artist or this album! Thanks for the video and review. I enjoy new music and listen to music for the most part when I am working out!
Audrey (Trhardmom) recently posted..Rocket Pure Products + Giveaway
Thank you for the review. That sounds like a great album. I have been curious about it. I will have to check it out!
Sam recently posted..Treat Your Hands With LeliaSea Hand Cream (Giveaway) #LeliaSea2015
This would be refreshing to follow as you get the same brand you love at civil wars in a different package. I’m sure it’s gonna be a big hit.
Franc Ramon recently posted..Essentials of a More Secure Retirement #PRIC2015
This sounds like an interesting track indeed and I will have to check out the others for sure. I have not heard of her before but love her voice. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great review. I’ve never heard of her before but her voice is really nice. Thanks for sharing.
Daniella recently posted..Makeup Revolution Brand Focus
I’ve never heard her songs, but I love her voice and those songs. Great video too thanks for sharing about her.
Heather recently posted..How my HP Envy #Intel2in1 Helps Me Organize My Life
First time to hear something about her. Great song though! Love it!
Ron Leyba recently posted..Wedding Ring Holders That Are Simply Perfect For Your Big Day
I’ve heard neither of Civil Wars or Joy Williams before, I don’t think they’re popular artists here in Ireland. Thanks for sharing some new music with me.
I love listening to new artist! I never heard of her but she seems great thanks for showcasing her!