Do you like Mumford & Sons? The Lumineers? Any other pop-folk bands? If you answered yes to any of these, Vance Joy is the guy for you. He is another great prospective star you can add to this list.
Vance released his debut album on Sept 9 titled Dream Your Life Away. The Australian singer-songwriter previously released an EP in 2013. The album Dream Your Life Away produced four singles before its release. “Riptide” was the most commercially successful single.
You can expect a lot of great things from this album, as it passes the test for an artist’s debut. Dream Your Life Away is a record that stays true to the folk genre, and every song makes you feel like you enjoy folk, even if you say you don’t. Let’s not forget, this isn’t exactly a time in pop culture where the folk genre is prominent. So the fact that Vance Joy has already been successful with his singles shows how he is someone to watch.
Like I said previously, the album has four pre-released singles. “Riptide” is the most successful, and it’s probably the one that you would know; it’s also my personal favorite. “Who Am I” is another song that I really enjoy. Most of Vance’s songs, including these and the others I will mention, have an uplifting spirit to them that you just love to listen to.
He also is a songwriter with a keen lyrical sense. “From Afar” was the first single released. This song definitely shows the softer side of Vance’s songwriting style. “Red Eye” is a song near the end of the album that I could definitely see in a movie, specifically a romantic comedy. When you listen to it, you can just see it being part of a movie. That type of songwriting is hard to come by and Vance Joy definitely displays that ability.
Vance closes out his debut album with a ballad. It’s a risky choice because it’s the last thing people hear, but he definitely succeeded on this one. The song displays beautiful lyrics accompanied by just as wonderful melody.
I had never heard of Vance Joy before I heard his song “Riptide” on the radio, and you probably hadn’t either or probably still don’t know who he is. After listening to all of Dream Your Life Away, I have definitely become a fan.
While Mumford & Sons takes a short hiatus from performing, Vance Joy is now here to fill that void in the pop-folk genre. I have no doubt that he will do great things and produce more great music. While we wait for that, just sit back with your headphones, relax, and dream your life away.
