Background and Release
The fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jewel, "This Way", was released on November 13, 2001, by Atlantic Records. Referred to as a combination of pop, rock, folk, and country, Jewel produced this diverse album with Dann Huff, renowned for his work with other prominent pop and country artists. While maintaining her authentic and reflective songwriting, Jewel likewise ventured into brand-new musical area on "This Way", moving away from her trademark acoustic folk noise that marked her earlier work. Fans and critics have praised the album for its fully grown themes, showing development and development in her music career.
Singles and Notable Tracks
"This Way" spawned three singles: "Standing Still", "Break Me", and "Serve the Ego". The lead single, "Standing Still", launched in October 2001, was an instant hit and became one of Jewel's most enduring tunes. The upbeat pop-rock track reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and got extensive airplay on radio and tv. This song's introspective lyrics and infectious tune completely encapsulated the album's message of personal growth and evolution.
"Break Me", the second single, exhibited an ideal mix of Jewel's folk roots and pop perceptiveness. The tune's touching lyrics about vulnerability and the need for human connection resonated with fans, despite not attaining the business success that "Standing Still" received.
The 3rd single, "Serve the Ego", showcased a vibrant departure from Jewel's normal sound, incorporating electronic dance components combined with her signature vocal stylings. Although it wasn't a chart-topping hit, it demonstrated her flexibility as an artist and desire to check out varied musical genres.
Other significant tracks on the album include the reflective "Do You Want to Play?" and the deeply emotional "Love Me, Just Leave Me Alone", which includes popular guitar work by acclaimed musician Doyle Bramhall II.
Business Performance and Critical Reception
While "This Way" didn't attain the blockbuster commercial success of "Pieces of You", Jewel's launching album, it still achieved considerable acknowledgment. The album debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart with 140,000 copies offered in its very first week and later on achieved Platinum accreditation by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Critics were generally favorable in their reviews for "This Way". Lots of applauded Jewel's decision to branch out and check out new sounds, while others applauded her matured songwriting, which showcased individual growth and introspection. Furthermore, they kept in mind the album's strength in mixing different musical genres like pop, rock, folk, and country, showing her versatility as an artist.
Legacy and Impact
Practically 20 years after its release, "This Way" remains an essential album in Jewel's discography. Not only did it symbolize the singer-songwriter's creative growth, showcasing a more mature and reflective side in her songwriting however it likewise showed her capability to transcend musical categories while remaining authentic to her roots.
The success of "This Way" helped to solidify Jewel's location in the music market as a flexible and developing artist. As she would continue to explore various noises in her subsequent albums, "This Way" stands as a testament to her fearlessness and risk-taking, while successfully embracing modification and individual development.
Artist: Jewel
Jewel Kilcher, her journey from humble beginnings in Alaska to talented singer, songwriter, and actress. Visit our biography and quotes page.
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