Albums to watch

Not Even Happiness

Julie Byrne

Not Even Happiness

Second album from the New York-based singer-songwriter

ADM rating[?]

7.7

Label
Basin Rock / Ba Da Bing
UK Release date
13/01/2017
US Release date
27/01/2017
  1. 9.1 |   Consequence Of Sound

    An album that moves from moment to gorgeous moment
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  2. 9.0 |   The 405

    Clarity of production and a focused, nuanced, and greatly sharpened songwriting joins the array of her inviting playing
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  3. 8.3 |   Pitchfork

    Has the lucidity and tactility of a healing crystal
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  4. 8.3 |   Pretty Much Amazing

    It’s heady stuff but grounded with vignettes of everyday activities—a beautiful, comforting second work from the singer
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  5. 8.0 |   Sputnik Music (staff)

    Whether she’s reminiscing about double rainbows or crushing beetles to make dye, it’s an album full of color and life; a stark contrast to the black and white art that accompanies it
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  6. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    Beyond the hushed sounds of the record, Byrne, for the most part, is not timid but in possession of a rich confidence
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  7. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    A special album from a very special talent
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  8. 8.0 |   Exclaim

    A triumph of subtlety, proof that music doesn't have to be forceful to be powerful
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  9. 8.0 |   The FT

    Introspection is nicely tempered by a storyline tracing a move from loneliness to companionship, the enigmatic “you” to whom the songs are addressed
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  10. 8.0 |   The Observer

    A voice of rare elegance
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  11. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Listening to Not Even Happiness is like being wrapped up in blanket as a child; it gives you comfort and more than a little reassurance, whatever the future may have in store
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  12. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    Byrne doesn't so much sing as exhale and her unforced delivery serves to mesmerise
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  13. 8.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    This beautiful, meandering record documents Byrne’s transient wanderings across America in search of a home
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  14. 8.0 |   Mojo

    There’s something romantic about this quiet, thoughtful music. Print edition only

  15. 8.0 |   NME

    The US singer-songwriter’s second album offers a beautiful, otherworldly take on classic folk and Americana
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  16. 8.0 |   Uncut

    She sings out, her velvety voice becoming saturated - sometimes confrontationally so - and the production has opened up enormously
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  17. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    There’s something pleasingly organic about the way she almost seems to exhale the melodies
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  18. 8.0 |   DIY

    She’s a storyteller, evoking stunning images
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  19. 7.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    A record that's all about self-exploration, acceptance and empowerment
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  20. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    Byrne is starting to get more comfortable with her roving spirit
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  21. 7.0 |   All Music

    While the album makes more of an impression as a whole than do individual songs, it makes a lasting one
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  22. 7.0 |   Spectrum Culture

    An inherently gentle, reflective album, perfect for introspective afternoons
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  23. 6.0 |   Q

    Who needs a five-octave range when you can pack this much emotional punch while barely raising a whisper. Print edition only

  24. 6.0 |   The Music

    Julie Byrne's got that Joni Mitchell thing going on, meandering through folky feelings and slenderly plucked strings
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Julie Byrne: Not Even Happiness

  • Download full album for just £5.49
  • 1. Follow My Voice £0.99
  • 2. Sleepwalker £0.99
  • 3. Melting Grid £0.99
  • 4. Natural Blue £0.99
  • 5. Interlude £0.99
  • 6. Morning Dove £0.99
  • 7. All the Land Glimmered Beneath £0.99
  • 8. Sea as It Glides £0.99
  • 9. I Live Now as a Singer £0.99
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