Review - Johnny Blue Skies: Passage Du Desir
After three years, Sturgill Simpson has returned with a new album. Sorta. Sturgill mentioned for years that he had a five album plan and when he was done with that, he was done. He’s kept his word as everything he’s released since 2021’s Dood & Juanita has been under the Johnny Blue Skies moniker with the exception of the song “All The Gold in California” which he used his character’s name, Brother Marshall, from the TV series The Righteous Gemstones.
Passage Du Desir is no different. The Johnny Blue Skies name first appeared in the liner notes of Sturgill’s 2016 Grammy Award winning A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. If one were to compare this album to any of his previous output, Sailor’s Guide would be the closest, minus the brass section. Sturgill Simpson fans are going to love this. Anyone looking for a traditional country album is going to be disappointed; though there are a few bright spots in that category. All in all, there’s something here for everyone.
This music speaks for itself though. Each song has its own feel to it; not sounding the same as the album progresses. When the album begins, you’re treated to a tune that sounds like it could be part of A Sailor’s Guide. “Swamp of Sadness” is a pretty chilled and laid back number that helps ease the listener into what is to come.
Then “If The Sun Never Rises Again” hits. It has a mid-70’s slow jam rock feel that kinda brings me back to a time as a young boy riding in the back seat of the car with my mom. The music at the time was a format that nowadays would be considered soft rock.
“Scooter Blues” is a bit more upbeat song with a carefree feeling to it. It sounds like something someone would play as they clock out for work for the week and start a much needed vacation. I would say this is the album’s fun song. For some reason I can imagine this as a song that he would write with John Prine.
I’m a firm believer that “Jupiter’s Faerie” will be the sleeper hit of the album. A soft and melodic song that seems to deal with the loss of a former lover. The chorus is a powerful one that’ll make the hairs on your body raise up. It’s haunting and lovely all at the same time.
One of the closest Sturgill gets to a traditional country song is “Who I Am.” I can hear hints of Waylon and a lot of Merle on this one.
“Right Kind of Dream” follows. It has this addictive beat that gets your feet tapping and doesn’t hesitate to get right to it. Sturgill’s other country song on the album is one called “Mint Tea” which is one that is sure to be a favorite of many.
The album ends on an Allman Brothers-esq opening that quickly evolves into something big. There’s a lot going on in this song musically and the listener is given a little bit of a breather with the soft and soothing melody about halfway through and continues to the end. Quite the banger to end on, actually.
Sturgill Simpson fans were unsure what to expect from the new project. Nevertheless, one thing you can always count on is Simpson’s creativity and ability to continue defying genre labels or being pigeon-holed. I was pleasantly surprised with this album. When the album was announced, the big question was, “What kind of album is Sturgill making?” Country? Bluegrass? Rock? EDM? Simpson and company delivered a little country, a little rock, and, no doubt, a great album that seems to draw from a lot of different areas and influences. It's filled with songs big and small that are fun and serious. Passage Du Desir has gone right to the top of my album of the year list and undoubtedly has for many others as well.
Find out more about Sturgill Simpson at the links below:
