You may know Joy Williams from the four-time Grammy-winning folk-rock duo The Civil Wars. Her new solo album Venus is released on June 29, 2015. Venus features 11 beautiful and haunting songs that showcase her talent.
When asked how she would describe Venus, Joy Williams explained: “For me, it’s my coming-of-age album, becoming the woman I’ve always wanted to be. I think over the course of the last couple of years making this album, I finally felt that I stepped into my own skin. I’ve spent my whole life trying to be the best version of myself, and I’ve finally let myself just be me.”
Wow! Listening to the album, I feel that quote is a wonderful description. The songs are at times sad, reflective, haunting, optimistic. I feel almost like a close friend is pouring out her heart to me. I felt touched listening to Venus for the first time.
According to Joy Williams, the themes embraced in Venus include, “Acceptance. Transcendence. Trans-formation. Letting go of things that don’t serve you.”
Who doesn’t need a little acceptance, transcendence and transformation in their life?
Exploring these themes could easily result in pretentious navel gazing. I feel that Williams finds that delicate balance in Venus. The track Woman walks the line on that balance. I love the sound, her vocals, and find Woman danceable. I embedded a video preview of this song so you can get a sense of the music included on Venus…
Video of the Song Woman (Oh Mama) by Joy Williams:
Venus is one of the more upbeat songs. Most are slower and more reflective in sound. For balance, it is only fair to share an example of the slower side of Venus…
Audio Preview of Sweet Love of Mine by Joy Williams:
Song List for Venus by Joy Williams:
| 1. Before I Sleep |
| 2. Sweet Love of Mine |
| 3. Woman (Oh Mama) |
| 4. One Day I Will |
| 5. Not Good Enough |
| 6. What a Good Woman Does |
| 7. Until the Levee |
| 8. You Loved Me |
| 9. The Dying Kind |
| 10. Till Forever |
| 11. Welcome Home |
It is hard to “judge” authenticity of another person, especially one I don’t know. I am not a long-time fan and only have casually heard a little of her previous work. So I am going out on a limb when I say that the album feels honest and confessional.
According to Williams: “One word that I live my life by is authenticity. I ask myself “Is it true to me, even if only to me?” That was what connected the songs for me. If it wasn’t true, it didn’t get on the album.”
I recommend Venus by Joy Williams if you enjoy singer-songwriter music by women with beautiful voices. Some songs are a little more upbeat, most are slower. I can see listening to this when I am in a more contemplative mood.
Where to Purchase Venus by Joy Williams:
Venus‘ release date is 6/29/2015. It is available at many music retailers. For your convenience, I included links to order via I-Tunes and Amazon.
- Venus by Joy Williams from the I-Tunes Store
- Venus by Joy Williams from Amazon – Audio CD
- Venus by Joy Williams from Amazon – MP3
- Venus by Joy Williams from Amazon – Vinyl
Joy Williams on Social Media and on the Web:
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