Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy returns with an enjoyable, thoughtful, and well-rounded sophomore album with ‘Nation of Two.’

30-year old Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy is back! For some, at least in the United States, Joy is still an up-and-coming artist, at least to an extent.  After making some noise with single “Riptide” from his debut album (Dream Your Life Away), he returns with his sophomore album, Nation of Two. Ultimately, the results are positive.

“Lay It on Me”

“Call If You Need Me” is a brief, but thoughtful opener.  Vance Joy doesn’t serve up many frills, but shows off his best attribute – his smooth, effortless vocals. While highlight “Lay It on Me” holds back initially, things are electric by horn-filled chorus.  Joy shows off the top of his vocal register, singing the titular lyric, while still maintaining control.  Also, worth noting is the hyper-rhythmic nature of the drums. “Lay It on Me” is the first surefire hit from Nation of Two. 

“We’re Going Home”

“We’re Going Home” commences with lovely acoustic guitar accompaniment. Vance Joy exhibits a beautiful, buttery smooth vocal tone. The chorus is incredibly robust; epic. It marks a stark contrast to the more thoughtful, reserved opening verse.  Ultimately, it’s catchy, well-sung, and a joy to listen to.  The second verse is more fully developed than the first. This is a pristine example of the great overall pacing of “We’re Going Home.”  The bridge is both exuberant and powerful.  There is magnificent percussive intensity, thanks to the pummeling drums, further amplifying the emotion of the record.

“Saturday Sun” is chocked-full of energy and exuberance.  Joy continues to sing effortlessly.  Notably, “Saturday Sun” features ample ukulele.  “Take Your Time” commences with a certain amount of restraint, save for its consistent, driving rhythm.  Towards the end, the intensity grows grander, with Joy singing with more joy and providing more punch. “I’m With You” changes up the meter, opting for six-eight as opposed to standard common time.  This ballad isn’t game changing, but radiant, thoughtful, and well-sung.

“Like Gold”

Vance Joy serves up another well-written song with “Like Gold”, which commences with acoustic guitar accompaniment, it has a folksy, singer-songwriter sound. After limited production initially, “Like Gold” grows fuller in sound, still embracing the acoustic-driven sound.  Vocally, Vance Joy gives a solid performance without histrionics, successfully and sufficiently conveying emotion.  His lyrics pack a punch, with the best moment coming by way of the chorus.

“Gold, when you see me / Hi, if you need me / Babe, that’s the way it was / That’s the history / Blue, how we used to roar / Like an open fire / That’s the way it was / But that’s history.”

“Alone with Me” serves as the lengthiest song from Nation of Two, nearing four-and-a-half minutes.  Don’t knock Joy for his dedication to love.  Such dedication continues on the briefer, quicker, and equally amorous “Crashing into You.”

“One of These Days”

Just missing the three-minute mark, “One of These Days” shines from a first listen.  Fueled by thudding kick drum, and rhythmic guitars, “One of These Days” grows more robust on the chorus, adding horns.  Vance Joy is commanding, but he never has to force things – his natural, ‘buttery smooth’ approach is a major selling point throughout Nation of Two. In the bigger scheme of things, it’s a testament to his artistry.

“Little Boy” benefits from its simplicity, dialing things back from the grandiosity of “One of These Days.” Joy continues to sell his haunting, nuanced vocals. “Bonnie & Clyde” gives Nation of Two a late highlight, depicting the narrative of a film about the infamous criminal duo.  While Bonnie & Clyde dominates the first verse, while the rest of the song focuses on their relationship.

“Later, we were walking on the streets of Monterey / The trees beside the water / Reminded you of childhood holidays / Hey babe, I know the way / Toa little stretch of beach / Where we could lose ourselves.”

“Where We Start” concludes Nation of Two warmly.  “If you’re here, when I fall / I know that I won’t fall a long way.” 

Final Thoughts

All in all, Vance Joy delivers a well-rounded, singer-songwriter album with Nation of Two.  He does nothing particularly innovative, but his voice and musicianship are more than enough to carry Nation of Two.  His sense of romance throughout the course of this album also bodes well in his favor.

Gems: “Lay It on Me,” “We’re Going Home,” “Like Gold,” “One of These Days” & “Bonnie & Clyde”

Vance Joy • Nation of Two • Atlantic • Release: 2.23.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic