Album Review: Joshua Winstead MMXX (Comes Out June 3)

As you know Joshua Winstead, has recently done a solo venture into music. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of MMXX. I say lucky because I was happily surprised to see such newness for this artist. MMXX is a peek into Winstead’s musical soul, which is very distinct from most, including Metric.

For starters, Winstead is like a male Sade. He has such a rich, earthy voice. You feel like nature is giving you its fruits as he sings about life and love. Winstead’s voice is his biggest asset in this album because it seeps into your ears like a lush waterfall. Can you tell I like his voice? I elaborate it because it is the key ingredient as to why this album is so good. You simply want him to lull you into your day. The effect is exactly what is needed to distinguish Winstead into the R&B, folk world he is journeying into because the softness of his voice makes him easily sound like he is your inner voice. He is not trying to be in your face or forcibly rise emotion. If anything, he wants his listeners to lie down and press play in peace. 

Yes, I did say the album is R&B and Folk! It is a unique combination that Winstead has successfully attained. The artist has had decades to perfect his musicianship, which is why the album has such a precise feel. You can tell through the sophistication of its instrumentals and clarity of his compositions that Winstead wants his solo album to be a planned introduction. Like a delicate but orchestrated “Hello” to the world. By now, Winstead knows the music industry and has the confidence/ intelligence to know how to push his voice forward for both himself and the masses. Most artists in their debut want to just be heard, but Winstead wants to be listened to, which is a needed aim to distinguish him from Metric. 

One Heart

Although there are alternative rock, indie pop chords, the album is a venture into soul/ folk. Thus, the alternative rock edge plays nicely into the smooth vibe Winstead is aiming for. It is like adding a kick to his step. Ultimately, the music promotes a sense of mindfulness. The light guitar strums build whimsical hooks that allows you to sweetly enter every song looking for its spiritual message. Whether it is about taking it easy or finding strength to self-love, the album is calmly optimistic.

When most people think of optimism, they think of a giant pixie-stick of colored sugar. Yet, Winstead pushes positivity through tranquility. The album is perfect to meditate upon and to. It is for the quieter moments that one desires from their music. Moreover, it is a very virtuous embrace of the lightness of life. 

Games: Is like a carousel in your mind. It begins with Winstead’s singing acapella, and quickly beginning an acoustic build into  a chorus that swirls in our mind like an actual game. It strikes for the sentiments of feeling played or  feeling like you have to play against others to win.  Frankly, I love it, and it is one of the most charming tracks of the album. 

The Streets: this song encapsulates those pensive moments we all have as we “people- watch”. We all have “people-watched”! It is when we sit on a park bench and look at the sky and the people walking by, wondering “What is your life like?”. As he sings “We are people, people”, it hits you how simple life is at its core for all its layered complexity. The soft consistent drum gives the slow, easy pace the song desires to invoke in the mind. Slow Down and Look Around!

Complications:  this song is a conversation between a man and his guitar. The melody of this song is practically therapeutic and is one where Winstead shines as a musician. Moreover, Winstead sings the haunting lyrics like a ghost of love wondering how things got so….. complicated. 

Poison Cup: Another surprising element of this album is its addition of funkadelic rhythms. Poison cup comes off like a greatest hit from the 80’s in the best way. It feels like a classic throwback as you hear the keyboard in the background and Winstead speak dramatically/ “shakespeareanly” about love.

To get more information on the album and Joshua Winstead Click Here.