From her days as a child actress to her indie rock stylings with band Rilo Kiley to her critically-acclaimed solo career, Jenny Lewis has inspired a rabid cult following. But with On the Line, her fourth solo album, she will undoubtedly draw numerous fans new to her charms. Eminently listenable, profoundly sad, often funny, grown up without being stodgy, the 11-track album reflects the complicated reality of a perceptive woman. Lewis has spoken about how her mother’s recent death helped inspire some of her new music, including stand-outs like “Little White Dove,” but lead single “Red Bull and Hennessy” is as far from mourning as you can get; a soulful, yearning sexual plea that sounds like a cross between Dolly Parton and Fleetwood Mac. “Wasted Youth” gets it both ways though; it’s a bouncy, happy song about addiction (of all sorts) and death’s inescapable grip. Meanwhile, “Do Si Do” is a gorgeous little ditty about embracing life and shrugging off depression — well maybe, possibly. On the Line‘s lyrics veer more toward the fascinatingly ambiguous, reminiscent of the stunning title track to her last album, The Voyager. Lewis, who co-wrote the new songs with bandmate Blake Sennett and the Watson Twins, weaves richly detailed stories on standouts like “Heads Gonna Roll.” The production is just as thoughtful, with lush guitars and drums. Oh, did I mention that Ringo Star and Beck are her back-up musicians on some of the songs? Lewis isn’t showing off; she’s just deservedly graduated to the big time. (Warner Bros.)
This article is a part of the 2019 OCT / NOV issue of Whole Life Times.