Is This Way a good place to start with Jewel?

Yes, This Way is recommended as a starting point for new Jewel listeners. A blend of introspective folk and polished pop, reflecting Jewel's evolving artistry with emotional depth and personal storytelling. This Way marked Jewel's fifth studio album, arriving after the commercial success of her breakthrough album, Pieces of You. By 2001, she was transitioning from her folk roots into a more mainstream pop sound, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and performer.

This Way works well if you're into introspective lyrical exploration, long, immersive listening sessions and emotional storytelling journeys.

How many songs are on This Way?

This Way has 14 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

This Way

Jewel · 2001

59 min · 14 tracks · country music

A blend of introspective folk and polished pop, reflecting Jewel's evolving artistry with emotional depth and personal storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Standing Still Start here — Opening with infectious energy, this track encapsulates the tension between forward motion and feeling stuck, making it a relatable anthem for many listeners.
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Serve the Ego — This song critiques celebrity culture with sharp wit, blending catchy melodies with pointed lyrics that stand out in the album's narrative.
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The New Wild West — Offering a commentary on contemporary society, this track combines vivid imagery with a sense of urgency, highlighting Jewel's skill in storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Jewel's transition with solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact.
The use of varied instrumentation, including strings and percussion, adds depth to the arrangements throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective lyrical exploration
long, immersive listening sessions
emotional storytelling journeys
contemplative evening reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — This Way showcases Jewel's evolving sound but isn't the most recognized album.
Career context: This Way marked Jewel's fifth studio album, arriving after the commercial success of her breakthrough album, Pieces of You. By 2001, she was transitioning from her folk roots into a more mainstream pop sound, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and performer.
Stylistic neighbors: Sarah McLachlan· Colbie Caillat· Sheryl Crow