About this Album
Not Even Happiness is Julie Byrne's second studio album. It was released on January 13, 2017 by Basin Rock in the UK and on January 27, 2017 by Ba Da Bing Records in the US.[1] It was recorded and mixed in her hometown of Buffalo, New York, with Eric Littmann producing, while Jake Falby's string arrangements were recorded at a cabin in Holderness, New Hampshire.[1]
The record reflects on settling down after years of restless travel, and it was received with universal acclaim, averaging 82 on Metacritic.[1]
Byrne has described the album as coming from a more settled emotional place than her debut, with the recording sessions in Buffalo broken up by hikes at a nearby county park.[2] The opener, "Follow My Voice", was shared ahead of release, and reviewers praised the album's hushed, restorative character.[3][4]
Songs
References
- Not Even Happiness (Wikipedia) — Release, recording and reception.
- Q&A: Julie Byrne On Vulnerability, Fighting The Pull To Start Over, & Her New Album Not Even Happiness (Stereogum) — Byrne's own account of the song, the Buffalo sessions, and her search for home.
- Julie Byrne, Not Even Happiness review (NME) — Leonie Cooper's review noting the opener's refined, reverent mood.
- Julie Byrne, Not Even Happiness review (Loud and Quiet) — Katie Beswick's 8/10 review on the album's restorative, home-seeking character.