Ys

Released in 2006, Ys represents a radical expansion of Joanna Newsom's sound following her debut. The album is a collaborative triumph, featuring the meticulous recording of Steve Albini, the experimental mixing of Jim O'Rourke, and the legendary orchestral direction of Van Dyke Parks. This 'dream team' of collaborators helped Newsom realize a vision of 'maximalist folk' that remains peerless. The album consists of only five tracks, yet spans nearly an hour, with 'Only Skin' alone clocking in at over 16 minutes. Lyrically, the album is a dense tapestry of personal history and myth, written during a year of significant personal upheaval. The title refers to the mythical sunken city of Brittany, a metaphor for the themes of loss and submergence that permeate the record. Critically, it is regarded as one of the most important albums of the 2000s, bridging the gap between indie folk and contemporary classical music.