Album: Picking Up the Pieces

Introduction
"Picking Up the Pieces" is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Jewel, launched on September 11, 2015. The album marks Jewel's return to the folk and acoustic pop sound that established her as a renowned artist back in the 1990s. Described as reflective, raw, and emotional, "Picking Up the Pieces" is the outcome of Jewel's self-reflection and recovery process after her divorce, motherhood, and the loss of her daddy, as well as her desire to return to her musical roots. Including partnerships with notable artists such as Dolly Parton and Rodney Crowell, the album showcases Jewel's powerful songwriting capabilities and distinct voice.

Background and Recording
After the release of her 2013 nation album "Let It Snow", Jewel took a step back from the spotlight to concentrate on her personal life. Following her divorce from rodeo star Ty Murray and completion of her record deal, she found herself at an innovative and emotional crossroads and chose to create a deeply individual album that would serve both as a catharsis and a return to her early music influences.

"Picking Up the Pieces" was recorded in Nashville and significant Jewel's return to independent music production. The singer chose to co-produce the album with Patrick Leonard, whom she had actually dealt with on her debut release, "Pieces of You". The album includes a mix of brand-new songs and previously unreleased tracks, as well as a cover of "My Father's Daughter", a duet with Dolly Parton.

Themes and Lyrics
The album title, "Picking Up the Pieces", is a reference to both the title of her debut album, "Pieces of You", and the process of healing from individual disasters and pertaining to terms with who she is as an artist. Throughout the album, Jewel explores themes of love, heartbreak, forgiveness, self-discovery, and growth. The songs are extremely personal, and the lyrics use a susceptible insight into Jewel's life and feelings.

"Picking Up the Pieces" lyrically covers topics such as her past relationships ("Love Used to Be", "Here When Gone"), her relationship with her mother ("Carnivore"), and her reconciliation with faith ("My Father's Daughter"). The album is reflective, with tunes like "Mercy" and "Plain Jane" showing development and self-acceptance, while others like "Everything Breaks" and "It Doesn't Hurt Right Now" show the pain and heartache that comes with loss and betrayal.

Reception and Legacy
"Picking Up the Pieces" received positive evaluations from critics, praising its authenticity, feeling, and the return to Jewel's folk and raw noise. The album debuted at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it her seventh leading 40 album on that chart. Furthermore, "My Father's Daughter", the duet with Dolly Parton, performed well on the charts and reinforced Jewel's position as a highly regarded singer-songwriter.

The honest nature of "Picking Up the Pieces" solidified Jewel's status as a skilled and honest songwriter. The album functions as a deeply individual suggestion of the events that led Jewel to where she is today, along with a reconnection to her musical roots. The psychological depth and vulnerability of the songs have actually resonated with fans and critics alike, and the album's styles continue to matter as Jewel significantly focuses on advocacy work and sharing her life experiences with others.