Japanese Breakfast’s latest album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)“, marks a poignant return to the introspective soundscapes that defined their earlier work, particularly reminiscent of their 2017 project “Soft Sounds from Another Planet”. This fourth studio album, produced by Blake Mills, is a deeply personal and emotionally charged exploration of themes such as grief, love, and the allure of escapism.
The album opens with “Here Is Someone“, a hauntingly beautiful track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. It features ethereal strings and gentle woodwinds, creating an immersive experience, inviting listeners into a world of pondering blues. The lead single, “Orlando in Love“, draws inspiration from Matteo Maria Boiardo’s 15th-century poem “Orlando Innamorato”, weaving a narrative of love and loss that is both poignant and captivating, with poetic lyricism that transports listeners into a timeless tale of longing. The production of this song is particularly lush, with layered harmonies and a cinematic string arrangement that swells with emotion.
Musically, the album is characterized by lush soundscapes and delicate instrumentation, often featuring acoustic guitar, cellos, and bass synth. This sonic palette creates a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere, enhancing the album’s themes. Tracks like “Mega Circuit” and “Honey Water” showcase a darker, more energetic side of Japanese Breakfast, with pulsing rhythms and electronic flourishes that provide a contrast to the album’s quieter moments. “Mega Circuit” especially stands out with its hypnotic beat and layered vocals, evoking a sense of urgency and unease. Meanwhile, “Leda” highlights Zauner’s intricate storytelling, using classical allusions and deeply personal reflections to craft a song that is both intimate and expansive.
One of the standout aspects of this album is its thematic depth. Zauner explores various narratives, not all of which are autobiographical, offering a diverse range of perspectives and emotional landscapes. The duet “Men in Bars,” featuring Jeff Bridges, adds a surprising twist to the album’s narrative tapestry. His gravelly voice contrasts beautifully with Zauner’s, creating a rich dialogue within the song that reflects on fleeting encounters and the wisdom found in unexpected places. The song’s jazz-inflected instrumentation, complete with brushed drums and a melancholic trumpet, enhances its storytelling aspect, making it one of the album’s most intriguing compositions.
While some critics have noted that the album lacks the energetic punch of previous works, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” is a masterful exploration of melancholy and hope. It is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of emotional complexity and nuance. The production by Blake Mills is meticulous yet understated, allowing each song to breathe and unfold organically. Mills’ touch is especially evident in the album’s use of space and subtle textural details, ensuring that no moment feels overcrowded or forced.
My personal favorite track, “Picture Window,” exemplifies Japanese Breakfast’s ability to create visually evocative music. The song is accompanied by a cinematic music video directed by Zauner herself, which explores grief and the passage of time, further adding depth to the track. A metaphorical tug-of-war against the relentless flow of time, the song delves into Zauner’s lifelong reflections on grief and anxiety over losing loved ones. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional distance and the lingering effects of past experiences: “All of my ghosts are real / All of my ghosts are my home.” Zauner describes the song as an exploration of the complex dynamics between someone who constantly worries about losing loved ones and someone who doesn’t share this anxiety. This tension is beautifully captured in the lyrics: “Do you not conceive of my death at every minute while your life just passes you by?”
“Picture Window” exemplifies Zauner’s growth as a songwriter, blending personal experiences with broader themes of love, loss, and the human condition. The song’s arrangement is sparse yet powerful, with a slow-burning buildup that culminates in a breathtaking instrumental break. The use of reverb-drenched guitars and distant choral harmonies gives the track an ethereal quality, making it one of the most emotionally resonant moments on the album.
The album as a whole offers a rich and immersive listening experience that rewards repeated listens and deep engagement with its themes and soundscapes. Zauner’s ability to balance deeply personal lyricism with universal themes makes this album particularly affecting. Whether she’s channeling historical narratives, personal grief, or fictionalized vignettes, her storytelling remains compelling and evocative.
Overall, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” is a beautifully crafted album that showcases Japanese Breakfast’s ability to blend melancholy with moments of beauty and introspection. It is a testament to Michelle Zauner’s evolving songwriting and her capacity to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. This album is perfect for fans of introspective indie pop and those who appreciate the emotional depth of artists like Fiona Apple and Perfume Genius. While it may not be as energetic as some of Japanese Breakfast’s previous work, it offers a rich and immersive listening experience that demands full engagement. Zauner has once again proven her ability to craft an album that is both deeply intimate and sonically expansive, solidifying her place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary indie music.
