Album Review: The Voyager by Jenny Lewis

Photo from thefbomb.org

Written By: Emily Racanelli

Jenny Lewis: A Voyage Back In Time

A few things can happen when a band breaks up--especially one that has been together for over a decade. The members will join side projects totally beyond the realm of their comfort zone (remember Andy Hurley and Joe Trohman in The Damned Things?), fall off the face of the earth and fade away, or launch a solo career. When indie rock group Rilo Kiley split after 12 years, frontwoman Jenny Lewis opted for the latter.

Some solo careers that begin after a band’s demise completely backfire, given fans are too heartbroken over the loss of the entire ensemble to even consider viewing one member as a single artist. Fortunately, this was not the case for Lewis, who has released three outstanding solo albums, the latest of which being The Voyager. Five years in the making, it compiles Lewis’ feelings of heartbreak, despair, and acceptance towards Rilo Kiley and the road to separation.

The record opens with “Head Underwater.” An electronic keyboard plays as Lewis, who doesn’t sugarcoat anything, goes “I’ve been losing sleep and I cannot sit still/I’m not the same woman that you were used to.” A possible reaction to parting ways with the band that consumed a sizable portion of her life? It sure sounds like it. Whatever fueled these words, it’s obvious that they hold a special meaning, which is more than I can say for a majority of music in Lewis’ genre. Actually, I can’t even pinpoint exactly what classification this is. As the chorus rolls around, the beat crescendos from a single bass drum to a full-on backbeat drum kit. To me, it has a 70s/80s vibe to it, maintaining a consistency throughout the song, despite any kind of pauses or vocal changes. (Don’t take my word for it though, as a late 90s kid I’m not entirely familiar with musical styles before my time). Regardless, it definitely holds a pre-21st century vibe that takes a passive aggressive stab at Rilo Kiley. It’s as if saying “I might be torn up over all this, but I had enough good years to still throw in a catchy hook and not want to totally punch a wall.”

Speaking of punching walls, things heat up as the record progresses to “She’s Not Me.” While other songs seem to address the group as a whole, this one is a direct shot at an ex-boyfriend. The typical “anti-ex” anthem has to do with the girl losing her mind over the guy who screwed her over. The scenario is quite different here, as Lewis sings “When I told you I cheated/And you punched through the drywall/I took you for granted/When you were all that I needed!” She is coming to terms with the fact that maybe everything wasn’t at the fault of the world around her--something most people can relate to. When the floor starts to crumble, we need to take a look at ourselves and see who actually stood on the cracks.

Despite admitting our own flaws, there are some instances in which we can put in all the effort and still walk away empty-handed. Such is the case with “Just One Of The Guys.” An ode to being the only woman in an otherwise all-male band, Lewis speaks of how “No matter how hard I try, to be just one of the guys/There’s a little something inside that won’t let me.” This can hold true to in any situation, given sometimes you just can’t seem to fit in. Lewis escalates her anger and feelings of hopelessness in the second verse, creating painful imagery of her desperate pleas to find her place. It states, “Locked in this bathroom, full of tears...But I’ve been the only sister to my own sorrow.” The lyrics may be ones that belong in the pop punk genre, overwhelmed with melancholy and a feeling that you don’t belong, but the music video is a time machine to the 70s.

From that aforementioned backbeat drum kit to the attire, it’s definitely not what you would picture from simply listening to the audio. I highly recommend checking it out--you’ll probably spot some familiar faces! *wink wink.* It features an all-girl quintet exemplifying that sometimes women spend so much time trying to be “just one of the guys” that they overlook how unique and interesting a female-driven act can be. Is there possibly some bad blood (no, I’m not referencing that Taylor Swift song) between Lewis and her former Rilo Kiley family? As far as this song indicates, it is safe to say there is. Most songs that reference holing yourself up in a bathroom usually hint at a downward spiral. I guess you have to crash down before you pick yourself back up.

That might be the most important thing to take away from this album. Sometimes the things that break us down are meant to happen. In Lewis’ case, the Rilo Kiley split catapulted her solo career. Without all that turmoil and heartbreak, most of the songs found on The Voyager would never have come to fruition. Think of that next time something terrible happens. Collapse on the bathroom floor for a bit, then put yourself back together and write about it. Not only will it be cathartic, but it will put all that pain to good use and inspire others to do the same.