Not Even Happiness is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Julie Byrne. It was released on 13 January 2017 by Basin Rock in the United Kingdom and on 27 January 2017 by Ba Da Bing Records in the United States.
Background and composition The album was recorded and mixed in Byrne's hometown, Buffalo, New York, except for the string arrangements by Jake Falby, which were recorded at a cabin in Holderness, New Hampshire.
The album is labeled as a contemporary folk release. According to Ed Nash of The Line of Best Fit, Not Even Happiness features leitmotifs of "nature and matters of the heart".
Critical reception
Not Even Happiness received universal acclaim from music critics. On Metacritic, the album holds an average critic score of 82, based on 22 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". Ed Nash of The Line of Best Fit gave the album a positive review, dubbing it "Album of the Week".
Accolades Publication Accolade RankAXS TVThe Best Albums of 2017Consequence of SoundTop 50 Albums of 2017Exclaim!Top 10 Folk and Country Albums of 2017Gorilla vs. BearAlbums of 2017MOJOMojo's Top 50 Albums of 2017PasteThe 50 Best Albums of 2017Piccadilly RecordsEnd of Year Review 2017: Top 100 Albums Pitchfork The 50 Best Albums of 2017 Spin50 Best Albums of 2017 Stereogum The 50 Best Albums of 2017 Tiny Mix Tapes2017: Favorite 50 Music Releases Uncut Albums of the Year Uproxx50 Best Albums of the Year
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from Not Even Happiness album liner notes.
Julie Byrne – writing, performing Michele Finkelstein – flute on "Melting Grid" Chris Masullo – guitar on "Sea as It Glides" Jake Falby – string arrangements Johanna Warren – backing vocals Eric Littmann – production, recording, mixing, synthesizer Alan Douches – mastering Jonathan Bouknight – photography
References