Good Woman

by The Staves

Overview

Setting aside 2017's The Way Is Read, an adventurous collaboration with chamber ensemble yMusic, Good Woman is the Staves' first self-penned album in six years. Among its heavy inspirations were the death of the trio's mother, dissolved relationships, and the birth of eldest sister Emily's first child, all contributing to the idea of what it means to be a "good woman." John Congleton (The Decemberists, Angel Olsen) produced the album, which proves to be a poignant, philosophical set. The opening title track's soothing, soft rock sound accompanies enumerated qualities, like being able to stiffen resolve, being kind, carrying the load of others, and forgiving. It then asks, "But who'll build statues of me when I leave you all behind?" The song has one of the few solo lead vocals on an album that mostly drifts between unisons and three-part harmonies within each track. Another entry with a defined lead vocal is the like-minded "Devotion," whose choruses close with "Devotion be the death of me." Its airy synths, twinkling piano, and steady drums also recall the mellower side of '70s and '80s pop. On the more acoustic end of the spectrum is the folky "Nothing's Gonna Happen," a tender showcase for their three-part harmonies, and the sparse, piano-based "Waiting on Me to Change" ("Said you're waiting on me to change/Whatcha doin' that for?"), which edges toward wistful Carole King melodicism. Elsewhere, the cautionary "Careful, Kid" opts for unexpectedly grungier textures alongside its sparkling keys. Despite subtle shifts in arrangements, the songs of Good Woman share a certain world-weariness that's balanced with a refreshing self-assurance that -- like the sisters' elegant, blended vocal harmonies -- never loses its composure. ~ Marcy Donelson

Product Details

Release Date:	02/05/2021
Label:	Atlantic / Nonesuch
UPC:	0190295156763
Rank:	69049

Tracks

1. Good Woman
2. Best Friend
3. Careful, Kid
4. Next Year, Next Time
5. Nothing's Gonna Happen
6. Sparks
7. Paralysed
8. Devotion
9. Failure
10. Satisfied
11. Trying
12. Waiting On Me to Change

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Staves   Primary Artist
Lars Horntveth   Woodwind,Synthesizer,Lap Steel Guitar
Luke Reynolds   Bass,Piano,Guitar,Keyboards,Synthesizer
Ben Lester   Pedal Steel,Synthesizer
Matt Ingram   Drums,Percussion,Synthesizer
Marcus Hamblett   Horn
Zach Hanson   Bass,Drums,Percussion,Synthesizer
Camilla Staveley-Taylor   Vocals,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Banjo-Ukelele,Vocals (Background)
Jessica Staveley-Taylor   Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Vocals (Background)
Emily Staveley-Taylor   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Tom Skinner   Drums,Percussion,Synthesizer

Technical Credits

Greg Calbi   Mastering
John Congleton   Mixing,Producer,Recording
Richard Woodcraft   Recording
Zach Hanson   Producer,Recording,Assistant Producer
Camilla Staveley-Taylor   Composer
Jessica Staveley-Taylor   Composer
Emily Staveley-Taylor   Composer
The Staves   Composer,Producer,Assistant Producer
Nathanael Graham   Assistant,Assistant Engineer