Dream Your Life Away - Vance Joy - Album Review

genevavalek
Sep 15, 2014
2 min read

Since the release of his debut EP, ‘God Only Loves You When You’re Dancing’ in March 2013 and his single ‘Riptide’ landing number one on Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2013, James Keogh, more famously known as Vance Joy has been non-stop touring, writing and recording. Since ‘Riptide’ was the first song to hold this coveted spot without belonging to an album, it was no surprise that there would soon be a highly anticipated follow-up album released.

With songs like ‘From Afar’ and ‘Emmy Lou’ still frequenting my playlists I am not going to lie when I say I was a little excited for some new tunes from one of my favourite artists. And boy did he deliver. The album begins with the shortest but sweetest track – also his first piece of solid work -, ‘Winds of Change’, a gentle upbeat tune that remains true to form with his light strumming and sweet melodies. Followed by a personal favourite, the single ‘Mess Is Mine’ highlights his talent in enabling himself to maintain his all too popular gentle fingerpicking but spinning it with drums, claps and a range of strings to increase the pace of the album.

Throughout the rest of the album there is a very balanced variation between upbeat and downbeat rhythms. Vance Joy has essentially created an album for any mood. ‘Emmy Lou’ –previously released on ‘God Only Loves You When You’re Dancing’ EP -‘Georgia’ and ‘My Kind of Man’ are perfect for those moods where you want to curl up in bed during a rainy day and take a nanna nap. Their hauntingly sweet harmonies, booming bass drums and classic broken guitar chords will ease your mind and definitely put you to sleep in the most pleasant way possible.

‘Who Am I’ and ‘First Time’ are sure to get you up on your feet. The catchy rhythms and feel-good lyrics will ensure you have a good time any day or night, rain, hail, or shine. However don’t let these pop-y beats fool you. “There was something sweet in the air, babe, that summer night. There will always be another time for us to fall in love, but it never cuts you quite as deep as that first time.”

Despite the feel-good nature of the song, ‘First Time’ touches on the issue of losing one’s virginity. When looked at in depth, the majority of the lyrics focus on the issues embedded within unrequited love and relationships. Despite the sombre lyrical focus, the tunes are still pleasing.

Overall I would give the album a strong 5/5 pizza slices. The deliberate assortment of tracks and fluidity amongst the albums allows for an enjoyable listen all the way through. Well done Mr Vance Joy *applause*.