Michelle Zauner has long excelled at transforming introspection into lush indie pop. With Japanese Breakfast’s fourth studio album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women), she deepens this exploration, thoughtfully examining themes of longing, temptation, and regret.
While 2021’s Jubilee embraced bright pop tones, For Melancholy Brunettes takes listeners on a more contemplative, cinematic journey. Recorded at the renowned Sound City studio and produced by Blake Mills, the album favors richer orchestration and subtle storytelling.
Opening gently with “Here Is Someone,” Zauner establishes the reflective mood immediately, encapsulated by the lyric, “Life is sad, but here is someone.” This sentiment forms the emotional heart of the album, embracing sorrow as essential to the human experience.
In “Orlando in Love,” Zauner draws on literary references to examine temptation and its consequences, showcasing increasingly sophisticated songwriting that blends classic themes with modern perspectives. Tracks like “Honey Water” poetically navigate infidelity, while “Magic Mountain,” inspired by Thomas Mann’s novel, poignantly addresses the inevitability of change.
The album also demonstrates Zauner’s willingness to take creative risks. “Men in Bars,” featuring actor Jeff Bridges, is an intriguing experiment—though Bridges’ rich vocals occasionally contrast starkly with Zauner’s understated style. Similarly, “Mega Circuit” confronts toxic masculinity against a surprisingly vibrant backdrop, highlighting Zauner’s empathetic approach to navigating complex emotional truths with nuance and sensitivity.
Throughout For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women), Japanese Breakfast maintains a unified sonic identity through lush strings, warm guitars, and Zauner’s intimate vocals. Each track enriches the album’s exploration of melancholy, resulting in a richly layered narrative.
Ultimately, Zauner delivers an introspective and emotionally resonant album that confidently embraces melancholy. While it may not match the immediate pop appeal of Jubilee, the emotional depth of For Melancholy Brunettes rewards careful listening, reaffirming Japanese Breakfast’s place as an essential voice in contemporary indie music.
