Fear Fun was on constant rotation at my place of work upon
its release. J. Tillman’s new persona crafted a fun collective of songs with
well-written and silly lyrics. Every track was extremely catchy and well-composed. I Love You, Honeybear is
Father John Misty’s sophomore release under his new moniker and it is an
entirely different animal.
This time around, Misty does not try to recreate his past
work with back-to-back catchy tunes that will stay in your head. The album is
mostly a collection of personal yet sarcastic ballads critiquing the concept of
human love and even fittingly hit shelves the week of Valentine’s Day.
I Love You, Honeybear
is a concept album about Tillman’s own life and explores much darker lyrical
themes than Fear Fun. The numerous
profanities also prevented my coworkers and I from reliving the experiences of Fear Fun’s constant instore play, but
these bold differences are what make this record stand equally as strong on its
own.
Father John Misty’s writing is far more nostalgic and broad
this time around. Some tracks reminded me of Pink Floyd (“When You’re Smiling
and Astride Me”), others reminded me of Velvet Underground (“The Night Josh
Tillman Came to Our Apartment”), and one track manages to take on on current
electronic pop (“True Affection.”)
The concept love and true affection is painted as this
flawless, perfect picture in our culture especially around Valentine’s Day.
Tillman’s latest LP shows the dirty, ugly, and realistic truths surrounding
being in love in this marvelous work of art known as I Love You, Honeybear.
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