There is no doubt that Sharon Van Etten is one of America’s greatest songwriters. With six albums under her belt, it’s difficult to argue which is her best, as each is an incredibly profound and expertly crafted collection of personal odes. Despite this, her overarching ability to create a connection with her listeners is what sets her apart from her contemporaries.
Van Etten’s music is something to come back to time and time again. It’s music that can be meditated on and can accompany a multitude of occasions and emotions. The following list celebrates her unique rawness and authentic personal journey, which is unmatched by any other artist.
Starting with her debut album, “Because I Was in Love,” this bold and intimate collection of songs was written and recorded over the course of a single week. Its rawness is unlike her subsequent works, with Van Etten’s full-bodied voice laid over warm and minimal instrumentation. It’s clear that she was destined for greatness, with her luminous delivery and tender vulnerability offering a glimpse of what was to come.
Her latest album, “We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong,” is a post-pandemic collection of dark laments regarding external forces and personal disruption. Van Etten’s sharp songcraft and ability to awaken even the deepest buried emotions are on full display here. With an epic production scale, there’s a good dose of shimmering eighties synths that give the album added depth and texture.
“Remind Me Tomorrow,” her fifth album, marked a new chapter in her musical career. After a four-year break, Van Etten’s album of electrifying synth rock and sonic menace showcased her growing confidence in her artistry. Songs moving through darkness and light, highlight the album’s universal appeal, especially on “Seventeen,” which became a standout moment and empowering anthem on its own.
“Are We There?” is a gorgeously layered break-up record that showcases Van Etten’s searing honesty and adept melancholic beauty. Despite being almost entirely self-produced, the album could not be more personal or intense. The album offers a preserved reassurance amid self-reflection and indifference that’s wildly comforting.
“Tramp” is Van Etten’s perfect storm album. Produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, this rock record has a bigger, more expansive sound that doesn’t detach from the introspective hallmark of her earlier work. Born from heartbreak and anger, these songs act as a healing-aid through inspection of small details and the things we tell ourselves in the hope that it will all be better next time. It’s an album to bawl, to be empowered by and to drip-feed every emotional cavity that exists inside us.
Van Etten’s discography showcases her ability to bond with her listener, to create a connection that transcends genre, and to write emotionally rich songs that leave a lasting impact. Her rawness and authenticity make her one of America’s greatest songwriters, and a true visionary in her art
Read the full article on Rough Trade here: Read More