Joana Serrat albums

2016

Cross the Verge - 94%

Serrat’s made a masterwork of melodic old fashioned music on this record. It is at once both sort of cold and haunting (the Canadian wonderland of “Saskatoon” or the hymnal like delicacy of “Oh Winter Come”) while also being a sort of warm blanket for the singer’s feelings ( the Calexico type southwestern feel of “Desert Valley”, or the lovely twang in the chorus of “I Follow you Child” which contemporary artists could only hope to mimic). Taking the whole history of folk music under her wing form a distinct European vantage point, she makes many mini odes to the human experience in the flavors of folk, bluegrass, country, and rock- the psychedelic fantasy of the catchy “Cloudy Heart” w/ Neil Halsted of Slowdive on background vocals, the dark and dreary “Black Lake” w/ Ryan Boldt nearly taking lead sounding as of Nick Cave.

               Throughout out the 13 songs, the consistency remains high among each tune carving its own sort of creation of twist on an old fable. “Tug of War” brings in a glorious point of view questioning among a Natalie Merchant sort of melody where the song itself almost seems as If its moving in reverse. “Solitary Road” matches Neil Diamond’s point of view, except from a

“Cross the Verge” is the most personal song which is why it’s the title track I am sure, and it’s the most climactic ballad. Even some songs that might come off as merely good but not great, “Flags” or “Lover” are still very listenable, and closer “Your Gold Could Be Mine” is one of the more unique ways to end an album I have heard. In a way that feel effortless, Serrat has managed to make on of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant folk rock albums of all time.

Best Songs: Cloudy Heart, Cross the Verge, Desery Valley, Tug of War

2024

Big Wave - 97%

I'm not sure what grabs me about some music, but I really do like to believe that regardless of popularity or influence, I try to figure out the best music of the year each time. Sometimes I can agree with the hype but at times I find it on my own, and with Joana Serrat I have found a diamond in the rough. Serrat has been recording gentle, slightly atmospheric folk-country rock for years, and while several past albums are worth checking out (especially 2016's Cross the Verge) with this album she has created her true masterpiece and one of the best rock albums of all time. Some kind of perfect mix of old fashion, Americana at its heart but the production and surroundings embraces the psychedelic stylings of so many artists of the 1990's like Slowdive and melodies of Mercury Rev. A song like "Feathers" that floats along almost effortlessly is a prime example of this, a song like "The Ocean" is another that just can’t get psychedelic enough towards the ending.

Best of all, regardless of the kind of music we might rely on in the past, with the production and cascading effects the music of Serrat reaches new heights in several different ways here. "Broken Hearted" is a majestic country ballad, ever so accentuated with a touching wordless chorus and synthesizer touches. "Are You Still Here" is perhaps the catchiest moment, drifting through one verse and chorus before the real music comes in and proves how rock music can be made vital again in 2024. "Freewheel" manages to be touching and also poignant to the point of heartbreak when the chorus hits “Am I falling into the nothingness?” The dramatic “Sufferer” finds the singer at the point of having a nervous breakdown, as the music video she made for it shows off so well.

While those are the highlights, covered in layers of distorted guitar and pianos at times, there are songs that hark back to her past and really to all of Earth’s foundations. “The Cord” is the great example, on one hand it could be a keyboard led song by Peter Gabriel or Kate Bush but it is changes ever so slightly with Serrat’s tight and powerful message. There is emotion in these songs, sometimes that is mainly all there is- “This House” is the most fragile, the ocean wave feel of “Big Lagoons” is the most overwhelmed, the Enya inspired “A Dream That Can Last” is well….the dreamiest. Truly, this goes beyond mere pop music into something magical, but every single song is breath taking in one way or another. Serrat has given it her all and created something that adds unto her already amazing ability to write classic melodies, sending it far up into space as a beacon for future societies to discover. Album of the year 2024 easy.

Best Songs: Are You Still Here, Broken Hearted, Freewheel, The Cord, Sufferer