For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)

Michelle Zauner’s lovely, pensive, capital-R Romantic fourth album takes a step back from autobiography to examine the performances and peril of fame itself.

The fourth album from Michelle Zauner plays like an open session in the artist’s salon, forsaking her renowned juxtaposition between intimate and transcendental soundscapes and welcoming in a more evocative and complex lyricism.

Michelle Zauner’s nuanced songwriting shines on Japanese Breakfast’s ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women)’ – read NME's album review

Japanese Breakfast's 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)'

Sadness is imbued throughout the record, but it’s a luxurious, comforting kind of sadness.

Both a leap in musical maturity as well as a callback to vintage Japanese Breakfast.

Her soothing voice, though very lovely, doesn’t always sell the cleverness of her lyrics

Michelle Zauner's follow up to Japanese Breakfast's breakthrough record Jubilee, For Melancholy Brunettes finds beauty in softer, darker sounds.

It’s fair to say that the last few years have been a bit of a whirlwind for Japanese Breakfast songwriter Michelle Zauner. After two albums of dreamy

Michelle Zauner addresses big themes on her band’s fourth album, but her sharp writing isn’t best served by wistful arrangements

The album’s production is imbued with a rich sense of depth and warmth, representing a significant sonic step forward.

On For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), Japanese Breakfast quiet the fanfare but deliver enough quality to stay relevant. 

Michelle Zauner is in the top tier of contemporary songwriters. Plus, Greentea Peng defies Gen Z tinniness, and this week’s best new songs

A wonderfully fragile collection takes off with Honey Water – not to mention an unexpected appearance from the actor Jeff Bridges