A strong and subtle return by Phoebe Bridgers.
There are few more anticipated new albums for this year than Phoebe Bridgers’ follow-up to her masterful, pensive debut, Stranger in the Alps. But the singer-songwriter hasn’t been just locked up in the studio since that record’s release. She created a supergroup with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, then went an made another one with Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. On “Garden Song,” you can hear how those other ventures have helped her songwriting evolve, while keeping the direct, passionate core intact.
The production might be glitchier and more layered, but the track is still centered around a beautiful guitar melody and Bridgers’ stunning voice and lyrics. She paints a portrait of dreams she had on tour, that also reflects on her improving emotional health. “The doctor put her hands over my liver / She told me my resentment’s getting smaller,” Bridgers sings, later concluding, “I have everything I wanted.” It’s a wonderful tune that bodes well for her next LP.
“Garden Song” is out now via Dead Oceans.