Cedar + Gold

Released in 2012, Cedar + Gold marks a significant pivot in Tristan Prettyman’s career, moving away from the 'surf-girl' pop of her debut toward a more mature, Americana-inflected sound. The album was born out of a tumultuous four-year hiatus characterized by a high-profile engagement and subsequent split with Jason Mraz, as well as a serious health scare involving vocal cord polyps. Following successful surgery, Prettyman used the recording sessions as a form of catharsis. Produced by Greg Wells, the record features a more sophisticated sonic palette than her previous efforts, incorporating pedal steel, piano, and more complex rhythmic structures. Critics noted the 'emotionally raw' nature of the songwriting, with publications like AllMusic praising its relatability. The album peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200 and remains her most critically respected work due to its unflinching honesty and sonic depth.