Review
The Head and the Heart's self-titled debut is a real standout in the folk-rock scene. Released in 2011 on Sub Pop Records, this album took the band from local Seattle favorites to a name recognized around the world. It's got this great mix of vocal harmonies from Josiah Johnson, Jonathan Russell, and Charity Thielen, paired with some seriously cool piano, violin, and percussion work.
You've probably heard some of these tracks without even realizing it. Songs like 'Rivers and Roads,' 'Down in the Valley,' and 'Lost in My Mind' have been featured in popular TV shows like 'Chuck,' 'How I Met Your Mother,' and 'New Girl.' These tunes really showcase the band's talent for writing catchy songs that hit you right in the feelings.
What's really interesting about this album is how it got big. It wasn't an overnight success story. The band actually self-released it in 2009 and sold a whopping 10,000 copies just through local sales and word of mouth before Sub Pop picked it up. That grassroots approach really helped them build a solid fan base. While some critics thought it was a bit rough around the edges, many fans consider it one of the band's most authentic and compelling works. It peaked at number 109 on the Billboard 200 and made it to the top 3 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart, which is pretty impressive for a debut. - Ethan
