Sunshine Revival #5: Music for People Who Believe in Love

[impala_chick]

Let me take this opportunity to tell you about my favorite album of the year (so far): Music for People Who Believe in Love (released May 23, 2025). This is the second solo album from Joe Jonas (the last one was in 2011) and this one is a stark departure from Fastlife. Every song feels so unique and heartfelt, and I think the lyrics showcase Joe's storytelling ability. I went through every emotion listening to this whole album, from dancing (only love) to laughing (Sip your wine) to crying (My Own Best Friend) to swooning (heart by heart). He's credited with writing 12 of the 14 tracks, which speaks to just how personally invested he is in this album. Three singles were released from the album: Work It Out, What This Could Be, and Heart by Heart. They are all worth a listen.

Hey Beautiful is obviously about his daughters, and it's such a sweet and lush song. He collaborated with his youngest brother Frankie on the dance-y track Velvet Sunshine that's not my favorite but it's still fun and slightly manic. Work It Out seems to be about his divorce from Sophie Turner, and I like the introspection in the lyrics and the way he doesn't shy away from calling himself out - he specifically mentions his depression/mental health struggles. You Got the Right makes me smile because I think the turn of phrase is very clever. To me, it captures how it feels once you fall in love and you're at that person's mercy. You don't have control over your feelings, even if they don't feel the same, and there's an inherent beauty in that - unrequited love is still something special.

This song, My Own Best Friend, is such a stand out.

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And I'll Take What's Left and Build a Bridge Again.

Then the album ends on such a hopeful, inspiring note with Constellation.

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Couldn't see it all before. Some stars they burn out, and some come back around.

Comments

[muscle_wizard]

I like seeing the musical evolution from artists who've become parents, it often translates into very cool, layered music.

Thanks for the rec c:

[scripsi]

I'm not familiar with this artist, but I will check him out!