What makes Ys by Joanna Newsom notable?

Upon its release, Ys received widespread critical acclaim, landing on numerous year-end lists and earning a spot on Pitchfork's 'Top 50 Albums of 2006'. Its influence extended into avant-garde and indie folk scenes, inspiring a new generation of artists who embraced narrative depth and unconventional instrumentation. The album's lush production and intricate storytelling have made it a reference point for contemporary folk music. Ys is Joanna Newsom's second studio album, following her debut, The Milk-Eyed Mender, released in 2004. By the time of this release in 2006, she had established herself as a unique voice in folk music, noted for her distinctive vocal style and complex compositions. Ys marked a significant artistic leap, showcasing her ambition with longer song structures and orchestral arrangements.

How many songs are on Ys?

Ys has 5 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Ys

Joanna Newsom · 2006

55 min · 5 tracks · traditional folk music

A fantastical blend of intricate harp melodies and poetic storytelling that transports listeners to whimsical landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Emily — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its hauntingly beautiful harp work and introspective lyrics reflecting on memory and loss. Its lengthy structure allows for an exploration of emotional landscapes that is both personal and universal.
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Only Skin — This sprawling centerpiece serves as a culmination of the album's themes, weaving together multiple narratives in a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. Its dramatic shifts in dynamics mirror the complexities of relationships and identity.
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Sawdust & Diamonds — With its stark instrumentation and fragile vocals, this track embodies the album's emotional core, offering a moment of introspection amid grandeur. The subtle interplay between the harp and voice creates an intimate atmosphere that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Ys showcases intricate compositions and unique storytelling, solidifying Newsom's distinct voice in folk music.

What we noticed

Each track features extended arrangements, often exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate development of themes and motifs.
The album opens with a solo harp introduction that sets a whimsical tone, which is then layered with orchestral elements as the tracks progress.
Newsom's vocal delivery varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring rapid-fire lyrical passages while others embrace a more languid pace.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Emily 12:08
2 Monkey & Bear 9:28
3 Sawdust & Diamonds 9:55
4 Only Skin 16:53
5 Cosmia 7:17

What to play next

Listen next

Have One on Me

2010

Go back to

The Milk-Eyed Mender

2004

Full Joanna Newsom discography Artists like Joanna Newsom

avant-garde music traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata