Courtney Barnett - 'Tell Me How You Really Feel'

7/10

When Courtney Barnett released her stunning debut album 'Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit' back in 2015, she was met with a wealth of love and appreciation as one of the best new artists looking to revive that sometimes lacklustre sound of grungy soft-rock. But after three years away, and obviously three years in the limelight, Barnett has reflected on her success and delivered a follow-up that aims to deal with the perils of making such a well-loved debut record.

While sonically, her sound remains more or less the same, there are the odd moments on here that seem like she isn't having the best fun in her new life. We are treated to the same old stories of fractured relationships and mental health troubles, but with this added resonance that fame has somehow made her more cynical than she was before. Nods to the world of Internet trolls and a general despondence to fame as whole, 'Tell Me How You Really Feel' plays more as her venting at the world than anything else.

Of course, the angry girl wrapped up in a laid-back persona has always been her personality but it just seems that this record is dealing with more than she would like to mention. There is a sadness that we weren't aware of last time, which makes for a slightly tougher listen, but still manages to deliver the goods when it needs to.

More Reviews

ALBUMS OF 2013: Top 30-21
12 years 5 months ago

30. Laura Mvula – Sing To The Moon

ALBUMS OF 2013: Top 40-31
12 years 5 months ago

40. Ryan Hemsworth – Guilt Trips

ALBUMS OF 2013: Top 50-41
12 years 5 months ago

50. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mosquito

EP: Memory9 - 'Red Falcon'
12 years 5 months ago

As one of dozens of new producers looking to make their mark on the world's electronic music stag

EP: Bipolar Sunshine - 'Drowning Butterflies'
12 years 6 months ago

When you first hit play to uber-hyped Bipolar Sunshine's latest EP 'Drowning Butterflies' there i

EP: George Ezra - 'Did You Hear The Rain?'
12 years 7 months ago

The world of the male singer-songwriter is a formidable in world in this current music scene.

LIVE: Sofar Sounds "Secret Gig" @ Office Space, Kings Cross 23/01/13
13 years 3 months ago

Sofar sounds "Secret Gig" @ Office Space, Kings Cross 23/01/13

LIVE: PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING W/ BOX OF GHOSTS @ CARGO, SHOREDITCH - 15th August 2012
13 years 8 months ago

PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING W/ BOX OF GHOSTS @ CARGO, SHOREDITCH