A memorable farewell, The Best of JustFolk 2012–2025 captures the folk-rock trio’s harmonious, wisdom-lined songwriting across thirteen years, rooted in classic influences like The Beatles and Neil Young. Sequenced chronologically, the compilation highlights JustFolk’s gift for melding introspective lyricism with warmly melodic arrangements, channeling love, mortality, hope, and hard-earned perspective. Recorded between Ibiza, Spain and Helena, Montana, the collection traverses both folk-ready charm and rock-minded intrigue.
Opening the compilation, “Look What You’ve Done” melds calming piano and soft acoustics, which build in vibrancy as the vocals attain a title-bearing emotion. A glistening effect around mid-point traverses into an elegant interplay of piano and strings, showcasing the project’s knack for stirringly lush soundscapes in addition to the introspective lyrical prowess — here beckoning a sort of self-analysis in its “you’ve done it again, you can never win” admissions. The ensuing “So Much” is another gem, also fusing playful piano, serene strings, and balmy acoustics amidst lyrical perspectives on fate: “Never has so much depended upon the one-in-a-million chance.” The next section, with its dual-vocal emotion, continues the enveloping production.
“Coma Tonight” succeeds in a more rock-touched realm, infusing electric guitar and expressive organs as the vocals drive to “turn the tide somehow.” Its optimistic drive for better days enamors within the caressing vocal layers, reaching the title-referencing hook as the guitars and keys strut a melodic warmth. “Missing you so much” sentiments compel on the subsequent “Say Goodbye,” continuing to convey a rock appeal, here with shades of Neil Young. Amongst the other standouts are the psychedelic spaciousness of “Dirty Sky” and contemplative album send-off “What Was I Thinking?” — all making for a riveting display of high-quality songwriting from JustFolk.
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“So Much” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
