This Way

Released in 2001, This Way marks Jewel’s third studio effort and a significant pivot toward a more robust, folk rock sound. Produced largely by Dann Huff, known for his work in Nashville, the album features a more 'plugged-in' aesthetic than her previous work, incorporating electric guitars, Hammond organs, and a more prominent rhythm section. This shift moved her away from the '90s coffeehouse folk archetype into the contemporary AAA (Adult Album Alternative) space. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and yielding the hit single 'Standing Still.' Critically, it was viewed as a professional, if somewhat safe, evolution of her sound, though tracks like 'The New Wild West' and 'Grey Matter' showed a willingness to engage in more complex social and existential themes. It remains a definitive example of the high-production singer-songwriter era of the early 2000s.