Warning: Some songs feature explicit language.
Hello everyone! I’m Abby, and I love indie, rock, and pop music! I’m starting a new series where every other Monday, I’ll speak a bit about an album I enjoy. This week, I’ll be speaking about I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty, otherwise known by his real name Josh Tillman.
I really enjoy Tillman’s music. I’ve listened to three of his albums so far: I Love You, Honeybear, Pure Comedy, and God’s Favorite Customer. His music can generally be described as folk rock. I Love You, Honeybear is Tillman’s second solo record and is about love and living in the modern world. It features a track-list loaded with songs bursting with passion and lyrics that make you want to scream them in the car while driving on the highway.
“I Love You, Honeybear”:
The title track is a passionate confession of love. The track begins with a buildup of strings as Tillman breaks out into lyrics about his steadfast feelings for his significant other. It’s definitely one of my favorite tunes on the album, and is definitely worth a listen, regardless if you listen to the entire album or not.
“Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)”:
The second song is another banger The song is very lighthearted, and speaks about falling in love and getting married in a very joyful way. My favorite part of this song is the horns in the background, and how they almost echo Tillman’s singing at times. This song is very much a “feel-good” song, unlike other tracks on this album.
“True Affection”:
This song is about love and modern-day technology. This track is supported by an electronic-esque background to support the lyrics about technology. This track is probably my least favorite on the album, but is still a good song. I feel like the electronic background on this track sticks out like a sore thumb from the rest of the songs.
“The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.”:
This song features Tillman speaking about the flaws of a past lover. This song is great, and my favorite part is the chorus of rising bells throughout the song.
“When You’re Smiling And Astride Me”:
The fifth song on the album is about Tillman’s wife, Emma. It’s a sentimental confession about love, and is very calming to listen to.
“Nothing Good Ever Happens At The Goddamn Thirsty Crow”:
This track, named after The Thirsty Crow, a bar, shows Tillman in an almost intoxicated way objectifying his lover. The reverb on some parts of this track and slight swing show Tillman’s messed up state of mind and intoxication. It’s a great tune, and I enjoy this track a lot.
“Strange Encounter”:
In the seventh song, Tillman describes a night gone wrong in his pursuit for his soulmate. He describes a girl going unconscious and him trying desperately to wake her up while reflecting on how his search for love came to such a dark place. This song is great, and has a very eerie vibe to it.
“The Ideal Husband”:
Tillman explodes with fury in this song and speaks about all of the awful things he’s done, and saying “Wouldn’t I make the ideal husband?” The song itself is incredibly upbeat and features a scratchy electric guitar. Tillman almost goes berserk with passion in this song, and it’s quite enjoyable to listen to.
“Bored in the USA”:
This song is my personal favorite on the album. It features Tillman imitating Springsteen's patriotic “Born in the USA” by speaking about all of the detriments of a middle-class American life. This song is almost reminiscent of Tillman’s next album, Pure Comedy, in dealing with the troubles and hypocrisies and the American lifestyle.
“Holy S***”:
Tillman wrote this song on his wedding day, and he expands on his frustration expressed in the previous song. This song is probably one of my favorites on this album as well.
“I Went To The Store One Day”:
This is the final song on the album, and sure does a fantastic job of finishing off the album. Be warned, it is a tearjerker. With the intro of plucked strings and emotional lyrics, this song is about Tillman meeting his wife and falling in love with her. It’s an incredible song, and is actually how I found this album.
Overall, I really enjoyed this album and would give it a 9/10. Let me know if you have any recommendations for me to review in the future!
See you next time,
Abby
P.S. Check out my Father John Misty favorites playlist!
Stream I Love You, Honeybear:
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