Album Review: "For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)" by Japanese Breakfast
A look at the band’s emotional and magical fourth full-length release
Written by Max Himelhoch
With their fourth full-length release, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), Japanese Breakfast, fronted by the ever-talented Michelle Zauner, offers a new evolution in the band’s sound. And what a stunning evolution it is. Brought to life by legendary producer Blake Mills, this album marks a bold new chapter for the band.
Opening with Here Is Someone certainly sets the tone. Zauner, a particularly poetic writer, lends a natural depth to this epic perspective. The song ebbs and flows between intimate and overwhelming moments that wash over you. The flute stands out, fluttering through a melody that feels quintessentially Japanese Breakfast. Zauner has such a distinct vision, and it sounds like Mills was the right collaborator to bring it to life. The record flows into Orlando In Love, another track that feels both personal and historical. Zauner flourishes here without a traditional drum beat. A magical piece. These first two songs are wonderfully soft and cohesive, setting the stage beautifully.
Then Honey Water kicks things into a new gear with one kick of the drum. When the first lyric, “Why can’t you be faithful,” pours out, there’s a clear change in tone. Much of the album explores different relationships with men from various perspectives. Some from afar, some intimate, some embodied by Zauner herself, all done with care and full of wisdom.
While Honey Water’s story may feel familiar, Zauner finds ways to give it more gravity. Her lyrical choices evoke a grandeur reminiscent of Greek mythology –
“The lure of honey water draws you from my arms so needy
You follow in colonies to sip it from the bank
In rapturous sweet temptation, you wade in past the edge and sink in
Insatiable for a nectar, drinking ‘til your heart expires…”
While the narrator chooses to accept the situation, the band betrays her coolness with a thunderous instrumental break with guitars nearly screaming. The emotion is palpable.
Reeling, we wake back up out west, beginning a trio of interconnected songs. Mega Circuit rides a charming drum groove, punctuated by distant guitars. It’s a massive tune that slides easily into Little Girl. We see the connection - another hotel, more ATVs. Zauner has mentioned that this track is informed by her dad, perhaps suggesting life brings her back into these places (physical and emotional) again and again. It’s regretful and beautiful, like a quiet night walking through the soft rain. Leda comes next, the acoustic guitars feeling very Mills-y (see his album, Jelly Road). Trying to create distance but only getting pulled in deeper – such a human experience.
Picture Window erupts – another wake up call for those who can get lost in songs like these. Singing of her lover, exploring intrusive thoughts, wondering if he is too. The pedal steel shines with a terrific melody in response to Zauner’s verse. The track blooms into a gorgeous chorus, a moment of self-validation before pressing on.
We take a breather, pull up a stool, and meet some Men in Bars. This one is so clearly a Japanese Breakfast song, but it takes on a new shape. Home to the record’s sole feature, Jeff Bridges’ verse carries a weight of sadness and nostalgia, his voice seemingly untouched by time. You can hear him as a father, a lover, or just some guy. He’s a perfect choice – a genuinely delightful performance to find.
Winter in LA shows Zauner wishing she was someone she’s not. Again, the production is absolutely immaculate with perfect sounds everywhere you look. The orchestra joins us in the back half and Zauner just soars. With the bells jingling in the distance, it really feels like a holiday miracle. The band grows even stronger before a tasteful fade-out – a brilliant, shimmering end. Onwards to the final track, Magic Mountain, steeped in that same magical, folktale feeling. Even while retelling a 1920s German novel, Zauner sings with such heart that it all feels personal. More epic imagery and tremendous orchestration brings us home.
For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) is another special piece of work from Japanese Breakfast, as we’ve come to expect. Zauner reaches for something bigger than herself sonically, while leaving no shortage of insightful, emotional storytelling. She delivers everything with clear perspective and intention - and it ripples out beyond the music. An album that immediately offered more and more with each listen, it’s one to savor this spring.
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Max Himelhoch (he/him) writes and curates Max's Music Mondays, a music discovery newsletter on Substack. You can also find him throwing special shows with up-and-coming artists through Mendel Records, both in his hometown LA as well as NYC. Beyond the music, you can find him solving today's NYT Crossword Puzzle.