Review
Alright, so Vance Joy drops his second studio album, “Nation of Two,” back in 2018, and it's kind of like diving into a diary that sways between poetic highs and melancholic lows. Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut's words in "Mother Night," the album's title speaks volumes about the intimate universe lovers create. Joy packs 13 introspective tracks that dance around the messy, beautiful complexity of relationships and love.
On the musical side, expect that classic Vance Joy storytelling, carried on the wings of catchy melodies and polished production. It's got a vibe that's both youthful and wise—like finding a handwritten love letter in a thrift store book. Singles like "Lay It on Me," "Like Gold," and "We're Going Home" are definite standouts, pulling you in with their infectious hooks. Even if some critics grumble about it being a little too sentimental, you've got to admit: the guy knows how to connect. The album hit number one on the ARIA Albums Chart and snagged Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA Music Awards, so clearly, it's doing something right. - Bo
Artist Bio
Vance Joy is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia who has been active in the indie pop and folk scenes since 2013. He broke out with his debut EP, *God Loves You When You're Dancing*, and the international hit "Riptide," later releasing albums like *Dream Your Life Away*, *Nation of Two*, and *In Our Own Sweet Time*. His music is known for its acoustic feel, melodic hooks, and thoughtful lyrics, sharing a sound with artists like George Ezra, James Bay, and Ben Howard. Joy has toured globally and earned multi-platinum certifications in his home country. His personal life, including his marriage to Selen Us and the birth of his daughter in 2024, has started to influence his more recent work.
