James Keogh, better known by his stage name Vance Joy, became an international success from ‘Riptide’; a multi-platinum single from his debut album. ‘Nation Of Two’ is the follow-up to Joy’s breakthrough debut album which was released in 2014. It’s been almost 4 years now, but it’s been hard to forget those sounds I heard on the tracks of his previous album. Vance is a very unique artist and his folk sound acts as a sensational souvenir to the ears.
TOP 5
5. ALONE WITH ME
Other than his smooth vocals on ‘Alone With Me’, Vance’s use of the drum on this track adds a unique sound to his discography. The “Riptide” singer uses the drums to set the tempo for this song while the rest of the instrumentation builds up. At the end of the track, there is an intermix of elements which gives this track a great finish and makes it one of the best songs on the album.
4. CRASHING INTO YOU
The blend of Vance’s vocals and guitar riffs on ‘Crashing Into You’ are outstanding! Vance is so much in love with this person that he’s not “falling” for her but “crashing into her”. In the chorus, he explains why he’s so much in love with her by stating, “You came along, you light up my days, my personal sun showing me all the ways I could fall. You made me feel new…” Deep deep words!
3. LITTLE BOY
‘Little Boy’ has a different theme than the rest of the album. On it, Vance talks about being scared of certain things as a little boy who liked to be around his parents because he felt secure with them. Although now a man, he states that he is still a scared little boy inside. Additionally, Vance talks about his love for his parents and his fear of them ever getting divorced.
2. ONE OF THESE DAYS
Vance presents elements such as: Guitar riffs, subtle drum beat, heavy bass guitar sound and subtle brass sound on ‘One Of These Days’; his vocals and lyrics are simply additions to the beauty of this track. I can see this being a track that a lot of people will have on repeat.
1. WE’RE GOING HOME
We’re Going Home’ has an alternative rock sound similar to the previous tracks, while Vance keeps the chorus interesting and creative.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. CALL IF YOU NEED ME (3.5/5)
2. LAY IT ON ME (3.9/5)
3. WE’RE GOING HOME (4/5)
4. SATURDAY SUN (3/5)
5. TAKE YOUR TIME (3/5)
6. I’M WITH YOU (5/5)
7. LIKE GOLD (3.6/5)
8. ALONE WITH ME (5/5)
9. CRASHING INTO YOU (4.6/5)
10. ONE OF THESE DAYS (5/5)
11. LITTLE BOY (4.8/5)
12. BONNIE & CLYDE (3.9/5)
13. WHERE WE START (4/5)
OVERALL RATING
(8/10)
The instrumentation, lyrics and vocals on this album form a perfect triangle. Additionally, Vance experiments with more sounds and vocal ranges this album around. Not to be over looked are his lyrics throughout each song, as they come across as very poetic. Lastly, Vance’s displays a dynamic tempo throughout this album, which makes his songs unique and interesting. In my opinion, all these elements make “Nation of Two” a must-listen.
Twitter: @TommyMonroe_
