Following the critical success of her 2023 release Time Ain’t Accidental, Jess Williamson presents her sixth solo album, A Mile South of Heaven. The record draws inspiration from Joan Didion’s essay Goodbye to All That for its title track, reflecting the author’s departure from New York when its “golden rhythm was broken.” However, unlike Didion, Williamson remains in Los Angeles, using the opening track to contemplate her ongoing conflict between staying in the city or leaving it behind.
The album marks a shift toward Williamson’s most traditional sonic landscape to date. On Hum of the City, she delivers a potent Texas drawl over mournful strings and banjo, singing about feeling the “hum of the city” deep in the woods. This approach stands in contrast to Time Ain’t Accidental, which relied on iPhone-programmed drums to create an offbeat appeal.
While Americana elements underscore Williamson’s nostalgia for her native Dallas, the more conventional production style occasionally renders the album less imaginative and heavier than her previous work.
Glad she’s moving away from iPhone drums. That produced sound was getting tired. This feels much more authentic to her roots.
Joan Didion inspiration is perfect for this LA struggle narrative. It captures that specific heartbreak of loving a city that hurts you.
Does anyone else feel the album drags a bit in the middle? It’s heavy, but maybe that’s exactly the point?
I loved the Texas drawl on Hum of the City. There’s something really grounding about those mournful strings and banjo.
Finally, someone admits Williamson’s new sound is a bit too traditional. The previous album had more edge and innovation.