Vance Joy: A Critique of his Musicality

Are you a fan of Vance Joy? His smash hit Riptide not only has induced chills in listeners all over the world, but it is evidence of the powerful raw emotions he can evoke through his music. But are his other works just as good? In this blog post we will take an unbias approach to critically examine some key aspects within Vance Joy's musicality and uncover what makes him so beloved - whether its from longtime fans or casual listens - while providing insight into what sets him apart from other artists. Let's dive in!

A catchy tune and emotionally charged lyrics make it easy for artists to have a one-hit-wonder, and while Vance Joy's Riptide may be the most popular song of his career, that doesn't mean that his other works should be overlooked. As a fan, I couldn't help but wonder what sets him apart from other artists, and what makes him so beloved among music listeners. I did some digging, and in this blog post, I present to you an unbiased critique of Vance Joy's musicality to help you understand why his music has resonated with so many.

To fully comprehend Vance Joy's musicality, let's start with his songwriting. His lyrics carry the perfect balance of introspection and storytelling, and his ability to use colorful language is something that makes him stand out from other musicians. In songs like Fire and the Flood and Mess is Mine, he paints a vivid picture, which not only connects to the listener on an emotional level, but also captures and retains their attention.

Another standout aspect of Vance Joy’s musicality is his unique voice. His signature falsetto may be what initially grabbed our attention, but his talent doesn't stop there. His voice has range and versatility and he is unafraid to use it to take us on an emotional journey. Listen to his rendition of “Georgia” and his gentle delivery in “I’m With You” and you'll hear exactly what I mean.

Beyond his lyrical prowess and vocal ability, Vance Joy is also multi-talented when it comes to instrumentation. A good example of this is his hit song Lay it on me, where he melds multiple rhythms and acoustics to create a layered sound that's both soothing and toe-tapping. In addition, he often adds subtle details to his sound like the whistling in Riptide or the ukulele in Mess is Mine” that add to his unique sound.

But what good are great lyrics and melody without a strong sense of storytelling? One can argue that it is precisely his ability to weave stories and emotions together that Vance Joy makes his mark. He takes us on an adventure of sorts, whether it is through the lighthearted “Saturday Sun,” the desperate “From Afar,” or the metaphorical “We All Die Trying to Get It Right.” Regardless of the topic, his lyricism invites you to identify with the character’s emotions portrayed.

Vance Joy is a master craftsman that has captivated audiences with his storytelling, his emotive falsetto, and his fantastic instrumentation. His undeniable and unique talent make him more than just a one-hit-wonder, and his music is certainly worth a deeper look. He creates timeless music - the kind that makes you feel like you're being told stories while simultaneously enjoying a feeling of calm and comfort. So, if you haven't explored Vance Joy's discography, I encourage you to listen to more than just Riptide, because there's a lot more to uncover in his music.