New York-based Joanna Sternberg has produced a rousing folk collection of sincere and tender healing on their latest album I’ve Got Me from Fat Possum Records.
Starting off with the album’s namesake at track number one, ‘I’ve Got Me’ opens with cozy, acoustic guitar, and Sternberg’s distinct vocals. This song floats through the stinging of the past and urges listeners to keep striving, remain accountable, and remember to trust in their own self-love. It was incredibly refreshing to see loneliness flipped on its head and rediscovering that you always have yourself to fall back on. ‘I’ve Got Me’ is an earnest pick-me-up that lifts the heart and leaves you feeling cheerful.
On track four lies the whimsical ‘Drifting On A Cloud.’ Led by an exquisite flow of piano, this song reveals itself to be one of unbridled relief and the feeling of coming out better on the other side. Lyrically, it’s as if you’ve been trapped on a carousel of sadness only to step off and find yourself in the land of joy. ‘Drifting On A Cloud’ restores hope on the most trying of days and I highly recommend it.
About midway through the album, we find ‘Mountains High’ on track five. Opening with an energetic piano score, this song, while still one of triumph, focuses on coping under an endless climb. Highlighting the elusive art of acknowledging our victories and attempts along rocky journeys, Sternberg has, once again, guided us to intense contemplation. ‘Mountains High’ is a soothing gem and the perfect prescription when you need to give yourself a break.
Next up is ‘The Love I Give’ on track nine. Escorting us forth with their acoustic strumming, Sternberg draws our attention to love and its unhealthy pitfalls. From pouring from an empty cup to loving the idea of love and giving it to the wrong people, we’re gifted a lot to explore here. Under appreciation, suffering, and strength saturate ‘The Love I Give’ and make this song incredibly impactful and universal. If you’re hurt and don’t want to stoop to the level of others, this song will help immensely.
Coming to track eleven, we have the musical masterpiece ‘The Human Magnet.’ This track showcases Sternberg’s wide-ranging musical talent as they played all the instrumental segments here themselves. Lyrically, the song dives into toxic attractions and the intensity therein. ‘The Human Magnet’ is the shortest track on I’ve Got Me, but the beat makes for some great dancing.
Overall, I found I’ve Got Me to be a folk wound balm I absolutely needed, and I will forever cherish it. The emotions this album elicits are innumerable and thought provoking and it caused me to heal in the best of ways. This album is an experience and I’ve smashed replay more times than I can count. If any of this sounds up your alley, please make sure to check it out.
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