Label: ANTI-Records

Verdict: Another masterful effort from Joe Henry.  9/10.

Joe Henry really is a musical dark horse.  Over the course of his career, he has chosen to ignore contemporary trends and industry etiquette and simply record whatever he wants, whenever he wants.

On Henry’s twelfth studio album, he continues this approach wholeheartedly.  While his last two records (2007’s Civilians and 2009’s Blood From Stars) were both musically complex and stylistically varied, Reverie places far more of a focus upon feel than pinpoint execution.

Recorded almost entirely live in Henry’s basement studio, the record is a far more stripped back affair than what fans may be used to, but its power largely lies in its spontaneity; raw and unpolished, the chemistry between Henry and the various musicians who accompany him is obvious, with small eccentricities (like unintentional background noise or improvised percussion) merely adding character to the release.

Stylistically, Reverie borrows heavily from both jazz and blues, with tracks like “Sticks and Stones” and “Heaven’s Escape” showcasing Henry’s strong grasp of the genres.  While Henry has explored these traditions before, the approach taken on this latest record sets Reverie apparent as unique even amongst his own extensive discography.

Throughout the course of his career, Henry has proven that his greatest strength is his ability to compose music with little regard for how it will be received; unlike so many others, he is solely driven by a simple desire to craft memorable and emotionally charged songs.

On Reverie, this trait is perhaps even more apparent than ever before.  It consists wholly of masterful pieces that span the spectrum of emotions and mood, from subtle and sombre to upbeat and celebratory, without a care in the world for whether the record will sell ten copies or ten million.

Overall, a near perfect album from a modern American wonder.