Music Review: Florence + The Machine, Vance Joy, and Kacey Musgraves

Before journeying to the Wisconsin Dells in July, I picked up a few new albums to help pass the time in the car. With the music on repeat for the road trip, I got a good listen. Here is what I thought!

Florence + The Machine’s How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful:

This is the first time I have bought an entire album from Florence + The Machine, but I might have to go back and purchase them now that I gave their third album a try. I have been a fan of all of the singles I have heard from them and find Florence Welch’s vocals fascinatingly unique (although my mom commented that she thinks her vocals are similar to Annie Lennox.) While the songs are not necessarily cheerful or bright (like FATM’s first hit song "Dog Days Are Over") and a few songs may sound a bit similar to each other, Florence’s vocals transition from strong and intense to beautiful and serene throughout. I found this album to be one of those that sound best when you listen to it from start to finish versus just one song randomly popping up on your playlist. All the songs together made me think of a rainy day, sipping a cup of tea, and drawing or reading a book; while a little dreary, there are bright spots to be found in it all.

Must-hear tracks:

Ship To Wreck
What Kind Of Man
Various Storms & Saints
Caught

Mother


Kacey Musgrave’s Pageant Material:

After my mom told me about Kacey Musgraves a few years ago, I was surprised how much I enjoyed her music. Her quick-witted lyrics immediately stood out to me and even though don’t often listen to country music, Kacey’s first album, Same Trailer, Different Park, became one of my favorites in recent years. Whenever I hear today’s country music, so much of it sounds the same to me. What I like about Kacey’s music though is that she isn’t overly twangy or full of powerhouse vocals, but her lyrics are feisty and her voice gentle. While her sophomore album, doesn’t depart much from her first effort, I appreciated that she didn’t try to change or develop into something different. The album is mellow (with a surprise guest appearance from Willie Nelson), honest, and put a little smirk on my face as I listen.

Must-hear tracks:
Pageant Material
Biscuits
Family Is Family
Good Ol’ Boys Club

Cup Of Tea

Vance Joy’s Dream Your Life Away:

I picked up Vance Joy’s album after enjoying the catchy lead single “Riptide.” I didn’t know much about the Australian artist, but had heard he would be opening for Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour, which intrigued me enough to want to hear more from him. Overall, the album is a nice summery collection with pleasant (although sometimes a bit wobbly) vocals and sweet lyrics. The easy-going guitar style starts the album off quite well, but the momentum slows down midway through where the songs begin to sound a bit one-note. Although the album isn’t perfect and doesn’t necessarily stand out amongst the sea of cute boys with guitars, I found it to be a good start and I will be interested to see how Vance Joy develops in the future.

Must-hear tracks:

Winds of Change

Mess Is Mine

Riptide

First Time