Japanese Breakfast – For Melancholic Brunettes (& sorrowful women)

      Michelle Zauner makes a thoughtful and romantic return…

      It’s accurate to say that the past few years have been quite a whirlwind for Michelle Zauner, the songwriter behind Japanese Breakfast. After releasing two albums of ethereal indie music, 2021’s pop-influenced ‘Jubilee’ propelled Zauner into the cultural spotlight. That same year, she also published a poignant memoir that spent 60 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list, elevating the Japanese Breakfast brand to significant fame. Naturally, with such success and the fulfillment of dreams comes a level of intensity that can overwhelm even the strongest among us. Thus arrives ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women),’ a collection of ten reflective songs where Zauner attempts to navigate this transformative chapter of her life.

      Artists have a historical tendency to respond against the album that launched them into stardom. A notable example is Fleetwood Mac’s release of the experimental ‘Tusk’ following the massive success of ‘Rumours,’ or The Smashing Pumpkins taking a goth-acoustic approach with ‘Adore’ after their iconic ‘Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness.’ It’s only natural to seek respite from the pressure cooker of an industry eager for another hit. When J Brekkie released the beautifully mellow lead single ‘Orlando In Love’ in January, it suggested that listeners might anticipate a more introspective album.

      Those assumptions were accurate; ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)’ is a richly textured and at times romantic work. Zauner forgoes catchy hooks in favor of deep emotional vibes, and her fourth album under the JB name channels Tori Amos’ ‘Boys For Pele.’ Both albums are introspective, empowering, and more confrontational than their predecessors—let’s not forget both feature a fondness for the harpsichord. Amidst shuffling rhythms and dream-like instrumentation, Zauner introduces us to themes of unfaithful partners, incels, and the necessity of addressing artistic narcissism. For added charm, the album includes a duet with none other than Jeff Bridges himself.

      Indeed, amidst the haunting regrets and memories, Zauner collaborates on a country-inflected duet with Bridges, whose frail, hounddog-like voice provides a striking contrast to Zauner’s higher tones. The ethereal ‘Little Girl’ allows Zauner to demonstrate her world-building production skills, as showcased in the ‘Sabel’ soundtrack, this time infusing deeper fears to create something more intimate. Many tracks drift by in a dreamy, classical haze, while ‘Picture Window’ injects a refreshing burst of energy with its lively basslines, twangy guitar riffs, and a captivating chorus that stands out as a true highlight of the indie album.

      This writer believes the new J Brekkie album might be a challenging listen for some, especially those who became fans during the exhilarating ‘Jubilee’ period. However, while certain albums are designed to energize you, others invite you to wistfully gaze out of a train window. ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)’ represents Michelle Zauner’s most sophisticated work to date, one that deepens with each listen. This is an album to immerse yourself in, providing a soundtrack for reflective moments. Enchanting, daring, and venturing into fresh terrain.

      Previously, CLASH commented that Zauner had ‘…landed three knockouts and is only getting stronger.’ With her fourth album, she demonstrates an artist confident enough to ease off the gas and utilize her experiences to share her stories on her own terms.

      8/10

      Words: Sam Walker-Smart

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