Album: Ys

Introduction
"Ys" is the critically well-known 2nd full-length album by American singer-songwriter and harpist Joanna Newsom. Launched on November 6, 2006 under Drag City, the album consists of just 5 tracks, but covers almost an hour of elaborate and lavish instrumentation, drawing impact from categories like folk, baroque pop, and chamber music. Lyrical themes consist of a blend of folklore, history, and personal experiences, showcasing Newsom's unique storytelling ability.

Developed around Newsom's skyrocketing and enigmatic vocals and complex harp playing, Ys also features an abundance of orchestration and arrangements by American author Van Dyke Parks. The album was produced by Steve Albini, a veteran of alternative rock, and Jim O'Rourke, a highly regarded composer and musician. Together, these talents helped develop the unique and compelling artistic statement that is Ys.

Music and Lyrics
At its core, "Ys" is an album that revels in its layers of intricacy and lushness, with densely jam-packed lyrics and grand orchestrations surrounding Newsom's mild harp plucking and distinct singing voice. The music on the album is incredibly elaborate, including in-depth arrangements of strings, harpsichord, piano, and woodwinds, all of which mesh together naturally with Newsom's harp.

Lyrically, the album is deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing from different sources such as Celtic folklore, the sinking of a whale watching boat, and the loss of Newsom's pet. Each song on the album tells a captivating and poetic tale, filled with brilliant imagery and abundant metaphor, showcasing Newsom's skill as a lyricist. Since of the dense lyrics and their complex relationship with the music, "Ys" is an album that requires and rewards very close attention and multiple listens.

Key Tracks
Each of the five lengthy tracks on Ys is integral to the overall listening experience, however particular standout tracks consist of "Emily", "Monkey & Bear", and "Only Skin".

"Emily" is the album's gentle opener, with Newsom's harp and voice linked in fragile patterns as the detailed orchestration slowly unfolds. The song's lyrics weave a tale of two siblings, drawing on astrological importance, childhood memories, and the natural world to produce a complex and psychological narrative.

"Monkey & Bear" is the most immediately engaging track on the album, driven forward by an unique, lively tune and dynamic orchestration. The tune is a fable-like story of a monkey and bear, checking out styles of power, captivity, and identity.

"Only Skin" is a vast, 17-minute legendary that showcases both the beauty and depth of Newsom's songwriting. The track is filled with rhapsodic critical passages and poetic storytelling, reflecting the deep connections in between people and nature, while conjuring up mythological animals and classical mythology.

Vital Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Ys" gotten prevalent critical acclaim. Critics praised the album's skillful structures, lush arrangements, and Newsom's special, mesmerizing voice. Publications such as Pitchfork Media, Tiny Mix Tapes, and The Guardian have actually continued to include Ys on lists of the best albums from the 2000s.

In the years considering that its release, "Ys" has actually been influential in the worlds of indie, folk, and baroque popular song, motivating many artists and musicians to press the borders of their own work. Additionally, the album established Newsom as one of the most innovative and particular artists of her generation and certainly stays a highly revered and important piece of her discography.