REISSUE: Jenny Lewis – The Voyager (10th Anniversary)

 

This review was originally posted on Icon Fetch here: https://iconfetch.com/reviews/jenny-lewis-the-voyager-10th-anniversary-vinyl-edition-review

Come celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Jenny Lewis’s excellent third solo album, The Voyager with a new limited edition vinyl release as part of Rhino Records’ “Rocktober” promotion. The album is available on translucent sea blue colored vinyl and housed in a gorgeous gatefold package.          

The former front-woman of indie darlings Rilo Kiley released her third solo effort in 2014, assisted in the studio by producers Ryan Adams, Mike Viola and Beck.  After indulging in the psychedelic rock of 2008’s Acid Tongue, The Voyager saw Lewis at her most vulnerable and real, as she grappled with life – past and present - armed with her smart, sharp-tongued brand of humor and nostalgia-tinged lyrics. 

One of the standout tracks on the album – which features impeccable production as vibrant as the suit Jenny wears on the album cover - include the single, “Just One Of The Guys”, produced by Beck who also lends his vocals to the self-deprecating track.  Other standouts include; “Late Bloomer”, on which Lewis gives her best charming Stevie Nicks impression and “The New Year”, led by guitars that shimmer and jangle like the Byrds alongside a shuffling beat.  One of my favorite songs on the album is the opening track of side two, “You Can’t Outrun ‘Em” which features the classic Casio “human voice” setting on the chorus.  I was gifted a Casio keyboard for Christmas when I was 9 years old and that unique sound was my favorite to use.

Jenny Lewis continues to impress with her chameleonic career, having just issued the fantastic Joy’All last year.  This chance to revisit The Voyager, a decade after its release, proves once again that Lewis is one of the best at what she does.      

Watch “Just One Of The Guys” here: