Valerie June - The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers

 Valerie June - The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers

 I've been uncertain and admittedly a little slack on which album I was going to review next, I had many under consideration but couldn't pin point which one I wanted to write about. Then someone suggested this one (thanks Ruthie!) and I'm so glad she did. 

I've heard of Valerie June, and I've always been drawn to how gorgeous she is. Her beautiful thick long dreadlocks, gorgeous smile, dazzling persona and style, I just needed to know more. She is a singer songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee and encompasses many styles from roots to r&b, gospel folk and and even a bit of country.  In all honestly I haven't really taken the time to listen to her music as much as I should so I'm really glad this suggestion came in. 

This album's title The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers is certainly fitting. There's an airy, atmospheric flow to it that is easy on the soul and mind, and gives us dreamers a little dose of something delicious. 

The opening track Stay starts with simple sweet piano and highlights June's incredibly unique vocals, then soars to an added orchestra of strings and brass and some backing vocals that just fit the song so perfectly.

A stay meditation takes us to, You and I, which had me in goosebumps within 30 seconds on the first and second listen, a stamp of approval for me! Her howling vocals feel as though she's calling from a mountain, all the while the simple rhythm help keep you grounded, visions of birds flying in the skies fill my mind. Which then leads us to Colors, a traditional country folk tune with a lighthearted feel.

Stardust Scattering really highlights like what she's getting at with the title of the album, a dreamy, spacy song with such a sweet bass-line that really comes in more towards the middle/end of the song, I had to rewind and listen to again. A simple groove that rounds the song out and gives it that modern phsychedelic sound I love oh so much. 

Call Me a Fool bring in Carla Thomas, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis soul, on backing vocals and their voices mesh well together, but Valerie's are really the star on this one, and what makes it special and different from your usual rootsy-bluesy tune is the backing violin and horns that make the song feel bigger and that really stood out for me. 

Fallin' shines for it's simplicity and gives us a taste of more of June's vocal capabilities, this time with sweet whispers accompanied by a single acoustic guitar and it doesn't need anything more. 

"All I can do is Smile" are a few of the words of inspiration in the next joyous track Smile, one that will give you feelings of hope when times are tough. I always appreciate songs like these on albums, when the artist opens up on struggles and lets the listeners know we're all human and need to pick ourselves up once in a while, and thankfully music is always there to help us. 

Within You takes an interesting turn adding some more modern beats accompanied with her airy vocals. I really love the combination of rhythms she uses on this track, feeling like a real exploration and a successful one. I'm going to have to give this more listens and dive deeper into how many and which instruments are on each one, but I definitely hear some cool things going on. 

Two Roads feels as though I'm listening to a classic soul album from the 60's, she nails the vocals and gives us a beautiful soulful number.

Why The Bright Stars Shine helps end the album with Home Inside two slower but hopeful ballads that leave us feeling perhaps a little lighter, after the meditation we've just had. 

One thing I love about this blog is that it really allows me to take the time and dive deeper into albums. Life is busy, and music comes along for the ride. Whether I'm listening while driving and running errands, making dinner, working outside in the yard, or sitting down with a glass of wine, there is an album, or genre for everything. I'd suggest this one for a time when you're feeling the need to step away from life's craziness and maybe reflect a bit inward. It could be on a long drive by yourself, maybe while doing yoga, with headphones on while you go for a walk in nature, or while sipping a cup of coffee in the morning, but I do suggest allowing yourself to really tune in and notice all the wonderful nuances Valerie and all the musicians that accompany her really bring to this album. 

Thanks for reading and please send me suggestions of albums you think I should hear!

Cheers, 

Steph