Japanese Breakfast is an Indie Pop band best known for their 2021 album ‘Jubilee’ which earned them their first ever Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album. ‘‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Woman)’ is the band’s fourth studio album and their first release since the success of ‘Jubilee’.
Released March 21st the Album is meant to serve as a follow up to their last album which explored happier feelings. Michelle Zauner the lead singer/Front Woman of the band has said that this album is meant to explore more “gothic-gloomy” feelings.
More specifically Zauner has stated that she was inspired by the “psychic state of poets on the verge of inspiration”. Saying that the lyrics “tell stories of figures who yearn — some who don’t get what they want, and others who do and wish they hadn’t”.
Initial Thoughts On The Album
This album was one I really had to sit with. Mostly because I couldn’t tell how I felt about it one way or another. There was something about it I couldn’t quite put my finger on. There were times when I felt moved by the album, but at the same time upon first listen there was nothing very stand out to me, which is quite contradictory, I know.
Then there were songs like ‘Honey Water’ and ‘Men in Bars’ that only served to leave me feeling more confused. With ‘Honey Water’ I was initially drawn in by the persistent instrumental/rhythm and the indie rock sound of it all. Then I heard Zauner singing out “Why can’t you be faithful? / Why won’t you believe? / They say only love can change man / But all that changes is me” and I was ready to be sucked in by it.
Though after that it kind of fell off for me lyrically. I felt it was going one way and then it didn’t. But still even after my initial listen there was something about it that kept me coming back for more (an ongoing pattern with this album).
As for ‘Men in Bars’ it strays just slightly into a more country sound compared to the rest of the songs on the album. I’ve seen it described as a “sad piano bar song ballad” and I’d say that’s a pretty accurate description as It really evokes that feeling. This is one of few songs that had me singing and swaying along especially with the chorus.
Though at the same time there was something about the song that felt off. Not to mention that the song features Jeff Bridges (American actor) whose vocals contrast heavily to Zauner’s. He has this pouty almost sulky timbre that has a rasp to it (as well as a very slight growl). Which is very in tune with the song but it really threw me off at first listen (especially on his solo part) and I couldn’t tell if it worked or not.
Overall Feelings
Altogether there is a lot to praise about the album. For example, the songwriting is more poetic than lyrical at times which lends to the storytelling, as well as giving life to the characters Zauner sings about, both of which are things I’d say the album is driven by.
There’s also a lot of personal depth to them and they really help to paint these vivid pictures which is great considering the songs at times are lyrically sparse. Plus you have Zauner’s voice itself. Her vocals are unique, breathy, and sweet which is not only soothing but it also adds to the vibes of the songs and puts a pleasant twist on others.
The album is also very cohesive, not just in theme and subject matter, but in sound as well. Which, in all honesty, the production felt like one of the best parts of the album. Though that’s to be expected when you collaborate with someone like Blake Mills who’s also done work with artists like Fiona Apple and Bob Dylan.
The album maintains a mid-tempo pace throughout and doesn’t really deviate from it. In fact, it could benefit from more hooks, especially since the songs aren’t constructed to be catchy, which risks its memorability. Despite that the album is very lush and romantic in sound which makes for some gorgeous moments instrumentally.
All in all, Zauner does a great job of capturing the feeling of ‘melancholic acceptance.’ You can truly hear the longing and wistfulness throughout. The album is beautiful and moody, with an air of whimsy and folkiness.
I wouldn’t ever say this album felt half-baked or unfinished but it definitely leaves you wishing you had a bit more from it whether it be from the lyrics or sound. It definitely has a pull to it but it needs something to keep you there and anchor you. Maybe not a love at first listen album but definitely one that grows on you. Something you can enjoy quietly in the background or while doing work.
Album Highlights
Remember when I said there were moments when I was moved by this album? Well this was one of them. As soon as the song hit the first chorus I was captivated by it. “All I need is understanding / pretty girl in my arms / passing days, immolation / little girl meant no harm”. It was so simple but carried so much weight. It had me hanging onto every lyric after that. The song is slower and delicate and explores the perspective of a father who, according to Zauner, “who regrets the decisions he’s made that’s led to an estrangement with his daughter”, a topic personal to the singer.
This song was one that I loved almost instantly and I think a lot of that has to do with the sound of it. Seeing as sonically it’s a favorite for me. Though, there’s also this relatability to it, with the starting lyrics going “I wish you had a happier woman / one that could leave the house / someone who loves the sun / loves everyone”. It’s the second to last song on the album and sets the scene for ‘Magic Mountain’. I look forward to it through each listen and its placement allows it to be a refreshing listen. It’s definitely one I want more of but more so in the way that I can’t get enough.
I’m still unsure about whether or not this song will go onto my list of favorites but it is one that struck my interest. Especially with the repeating lyric of “But all of my ghosts are real” as well as the way Zauner sings it. In a lot of her previous work Zauner has explored the grief of her mothers passing. She’s quoted in many articles talking about how this album in particular was also about her allowing herself to feel sad outside of her grief for her mother and this line really captured that.
More recently, the group just released a music video for this song, which itself is a highlight in my opinion and is something I urge anyone who takes interest to watch. It’s directed by Zauner herself and is reminiscent of Asian cinematography and manages to feel like a short film in the time frame of 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
Orlando in love isn’t a song that really caught my attention during the first listen. It’s actually one of the songs that I had to warm up to. However it’s paired with this absolutely beautiful music video. Inspired by paintings the video tells the story of a man (Orlando) who gets drunk and hallucinates the “ideal woman” who takes the form of a siren who calls for him. In chasing her he eventually drowns himself. It’s eccentric yet visually and artistically stunning and is something everyone should check out.
