Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee

 

'Paprika', A track simply about 'revelling in the beauty of music, is a lively opener to Japanese Breakfast's third LP, 'Jubilee.' The combination of synth waves, drums, strings and horns are a fulfilling touch, complementing a soothing Michelle Zauner enjoying 'a rush.' Looking to mend a broken relationship in 'Be Sweet,' a charismatic Zauner is complemented by the stimulating synths and the groovy basslines as she delivers an absolute earworm of a chorus.

The production in 'Kokomo, In' is a field of flowers under the weather of Spring through its cheerful strings and relaxing bassline and percussion. The track is a sweet ballad as Zauner awaits for the return of an ex-lover that manifests the 'fear of leaving an oven on.' Vocally here, Zauner pleasantly rides the track's spring-flavoured instrumental. Additionally, the segments of the guitar riff in 'Kokomo, In' were a nice touch. In 'Slide Tackling', a determined Zauner is armed with neon synths, rhythmic bassline and a rich saxophone as she 'slide tackles' a 'void in her mind.' 'Posing in Bondage' features a lusciously spacey production as an earnest Michelle Zauner yearns for a monogamous relationship filled with 'proximity' and 'closeness'.

Following 'Sit', 'Jubilee' reaches a thematically interesting cut in 'Savage Good Boy'. In this funky cut, Zauner seemingly critiques 'billionaires rationalising their hoarding of wealth while chasing self-validation. ' Zauner here depicting this oddly specific situation of a billionaire coaxing a love interest into his bunker as the world is ending to caricature those sort of billionaires 'hoarding wealth and seeking self-validation' is an intriguing approach lyrically.

Lyrically, 'In Hell' is a heartbreaking ballad depicting Zauner putting down her dog. However, parts instrumental for 'In Hell' does feel somewhat unfitting. Mainly the bouncy synth pattern between the first chorus and second verse. That part of the instrumental felt too jolly, especially of the depressing nature of 'In Hell's lyrics. After the 'Tactics', the album ends nicely with 'Posing for Cars', a delightful love ballad that ends with a sonically enchanting guitar solo from Zauner.

'Jubilee' is a solid effort from Japanese Breakfast. Despite minor downfalls, Zauner surrounds herself with a rich landscape of instruments as she provides endearing ballads. I guess you can say that this album was as sweet and rich as the persimmons on the album cover. 

Best Track(s): Paprika, Be Sweet, 'Kokomo, In'

7.75/10.

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