The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
The album, “I’m Alone, No You’re Not” by Joseph is a compilation of three sisters’ voices with haunting and tight harmonies.
Listeners will be mesmerized by this group. All their songs have rustic tones, using lots of acoustic guitar, piano and percussion. Their lyrics are filled with heart and have good messages that are relatable to the listener.
The opener, “Canyon,” starts with that rustic tone, using only drums and piano playing softly in the background. As the lead vocalist starts to sing, the other two singers layer their voices to create a haunting and eerie feeling.
As the refrain comes around, the voices come together, sounding like a pleading shout.
Lyric wise, this song is about a relationship. One side of the relationship is struggling to make progress while the other side says, “an inch is a canyon.”
The fifth track, “Planets,” has more of a simple breakdown.
Most of the song is acapella. After the lead vocalist starts, the other two sisters add in with quiet “oohs” and “ahs,” giving the song a full sound. Later, Joseph layers in drums and soft piano.
Lyric wise, this song is just a silly song about planets. It’s short and showcases the group’s impressive work on tight harmonies.
“White flag” is the high paced anthem song that will have you yelling “burn the white flag!” along with the trio of vocalists.
The classic sounds of guitar, piano and drums are added. There is even a hint of brass instruments.
“White flag” is an empowerment song, shouting to stand up for what you believe in. If you believe in something, stand up for it and don’t let others tell you what you must believe in. Fight for it!
The last song on the album, “Sweet Dreams,” brings the back the haunting sounds Joseph is known for.
The song opens with a slow strum of an acoustic guitar as the trio harmonizes their voices. It’s like a lullaby, but more haunting. Voices swell and layer within the quiet sounds of stringed instruments.
The deeper the song gets, the more instruments get added until the climax hits and the layering starts all over again. The very ending quiets down and lulls the listener to sleep, per the title: “Sweet Dreams.”
Overall, this album has a rustic tone and repeatedly uses the same instruments to give consistency. Lyric wise, listeners can connect to the songs and maybe even sing along.
This is a great album that is good for either studying music or easy listening.
Nicole Congdon
Contributor
nicole.a.congdon@uwsp.edu
