The Greater Wings

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The Greater Wings
A photo of Byrne waving, surrounded by an ornate frame
Studio album by
Julie Byrne
ReleasedJuly 7, 2023 (2023-07-07)
Recorded2018, 2021, 2022[1]
StudioChicago, Buffalo, Los Angeles[2]
Genre
Length38:27
LanguageEnglish
LabelGhostly International
Producer
Julie Byrne chronology
Not Even Happiness
(2017) 		The Greater Wings
(2023) 		Julie Byrne with Laugh Cry Laugh
(2023)
Singles from The Greater Wings
  1. "Summer Glass"
    Released: April 24, 2023[5]
  2. "The Greater Wings"
    Released: May 17, 2023[6]
  3. "Moonless"
    Released: June 6, 2023[7]

He was a truly brilliant person, he had so much faith in me and what we had set out to do together—that never wavered... It wasn’t even his vision or technical skill or artistry that made the collaboration so rich and singular, it was his love and care.

—Byrne on collaborator Eric Littmann, who died suddenly during the recording process.[2]

The Greater Wings is the third studio album by American folk singer-songwriter Julie Byrne, released on July 7, 2023, on Ghostly International. The album focuses on grief, including the death of musical collaborator and romantic partner Eric Littmann[2] and has received acclaim from critics.

Recording and release[edit]

Byrne began composing this album in 2018, shortly after the release of Not Even Happiness and started recording in late 2020.[8] She initially recorded it in a number of sessions across the United States, between Byrne touring and moving.[2] Producer for these sessions Eric Littman died suddenly in mid-2021, interrupting the recordings and leading to Byrne writing songs to process her grief.[2] When Ghostly International paired her with Alex Somers, she was able to complete the recording process.[8] She also expanded her instrumental palette by building on her earlier guitar-based compositions with synthesizer, harp and string accompaniment.[8]

This album was promoted with three singles[9] and was supported by a tour of the United Kingdom and United States.[6]

Reception[edit]

Editors at AnyDecentMusic? rated this album an 8.3 out of 10, based on 15 reviews.[10] According to the review aggregator Metacritic, The Greater Wings received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average score of 91 out of 100 from 13 critic scores.[11]

Editors at AllMusic rated this album 4.5 out of 5 stars, with critic Marcy Donelson writing that "while grief and heartache are constant undertones here, they are often outshone by emotions like gratitude and anticipation".[12] Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan stated that while "death is a topic that people have written songs about for centuries", this work "is inextricably linked to grief on a level that even many of the most devastating death songs are not" and that "it feels like a triumph and an act of resilience that it even exists at all, let alone sounds this powerful".[13] A brief review in The Fader states that Byrne "offers a bold and masterful take on the singer-songwriter canon".[9] Writing for The Line of Best Fit, Janne Oinonen rated this release a 9 out of 10, calling it, "an intimate yet expansive masterpiece rooted in loss and grief", also opining that "Byrne's writing allows for different interpretations".[14] In Paste, Eric R. Danton gave this release an 8.1 out of 10, noting that the album has various moods and that Byrne makes "specific feeling[s] universal" and these moods become "the artfully woven tapestry of her music";[15] the publication chose it as one of the 10 best albums of July 2023.[16] Editors at Pitchfork named this Best New Music of the week, with critic Marc Hogan scoring it an 8.5 out of 10 for "glimpsing the sublime" in moments of vulnerability.[17] Alex Brent of PopMatters rated this release a 9 out of 10, calling it "otherwordly" and Byrne's "best work yet" and sums up that it is "sublime and difficult to fault".[18] The publishers of Stereogum also chose this as Album of the Week, with critic Ryan Leas writing that the music has "an intimate sense of grandeur" with "songs that are soul-crushingly beautiful" on "a gentle, often hushed album".[19]

At The Arts Desk, Kieron Tyler rated this release 4 out of 5 stars, writing that the album initially seems "weightless" but the lyrics show that Byrne is a "a folk-inclined singer-songwriter of rare intensity".[4] Matthew Neale of Clash Music gave The Greater Wings a 9 out of 10, calling it "a stunning experience" exploring grief and legacy.[20] In The Guardian, Ben Beaumont-Thomas gave this album 5 out of 5 stars, calling it "a stunning study of love and loss" and concludes that "Byrne’s album is ultimately as singular as the woman singing it, and as unforgettable as a departed friend".[21] Ed Power of Hot Press rated this release an 8 out of 10, writing that the songs have "a haunting quality" and praises "the architecture of the record" for being "both brittle and effervescent".[22] Mojo's Andrew Male rated The Greater Wings 4 out of 5 stars, calling it a "love letter and elegy and encompasses the deeply held emotions of both".[1] Another four-star review came from Steven Johnson of musicOMH, who calls this "by far her strongest release to date".[23] Jonathan Wright of The Quietus stated that Byrne shows "a keen understanding of musical dynamics and a willingness to take risks" among many folktronica acts.[24] Writing for The Skinny, Jamie Pettinger gave this album 4 out of 5 stars for being "a sonically patient, cinematic and hopeful record" that "essentially grabs you and pulls you down into Byrne’s slowly breathing world of all-encompassing grief".[25] In Uncut, The Greater Wings received 4.5 out of 5 stars from Sharon O'Connell who praised Byrne's musical palette: "alongside finger-picked guitar and voice are a harp, strings, piano and analogue synths, which bear the songs aloft, despite their weighty emotions".[26]

The Greater Wings in best-of lists
Outlet Listing Rank
AllMusic[27] AllMusic Best of 2023 —
AllMusic[28] Favorite Singer-Songwriter Albums of 2023 —
BrooklynVegan[29] BrooklynVegan's Top 55 Albums of 2023 —
BrooklynVegan[30] 10 Great Folk Albums from 2023 —
Exclaim![31] Albums Of The Year 2023 10
Exclaim![32] Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2023 27
The Fader[33] The 50 Best Albums of 2023 19
Gorilla vs. Bear[34] Gorilla vs. Bear’s Albums of 2023 28
The Houston Chronicle[35] Andrew Dansby's 10 best alternative albums of 2023 —
Irish Independent[36] The best international albums of 2023 17
Mojo[37] Mojo's Top 75 Albums of 2023 10
musicOMH[38] musicOMH’s Top 50 Albums Of 2023 24
El País[39] The best music albums of 2023 17
Paste[40] The 50 Best Albums of 2023 6
Pitchfork[41] The 50 Best Albums of 2023 21
Pitchfork[42] The 37 Best Rock Albums of 2023 —
Stereogum[43] The 50 Best Albums of 2023 44
Uncut[44] Uncut's Top 75 Albums of 2023 9
Under the Radar[45] Under the Radar's Top 100 Albums of 2023 70

In 2024, The Greater Wings was nominated for Best Folk Record at the Libera Awards.[46]

Track listing[edit]

All songs written by Julie Byrne, except where noted.

  1. "The Greater Wings" (guitar composed by Trayer Tryon) – 3:25
  2. "Portrait of a Clear Day" – 3:21
  3. "Moonless" – 3:46
  4. "Summer Glass" (strings composed by Jake Falby) – 4:20
  5. "Summer’s End" – 2:56
  6. "Lightning Comes Up from the Ground" (guitar composed by Tryon) – 4:00
  7. "Flare" (lyrical contributions by Em Fontana) – 3:48
  8. "Conversation Is a Flowstate" – 3:38
  9. "Hope’s Return" (instrumentation co-written by Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Jake Falby, and Alex Somers) – 4:05
  10. "Death Is the Diamond" (piano composed by Eric Littmann, strings composed by Jake Falby) – 5:09

Personnel[edit]

"The Greater Wings"

  • Julie Byrne – guitar, vocals
  • Jake Falby – strings
  • Nadia Hulett – backing vocals
  • Eric Littmann – Korg Minilogue synthesizer
  • Trayer Tryon – guitar

"Portrait of a Clear Day"

  • Julie Byrne – guitar, vocals
  • Marilu Donovan – harp
  • Jake Falby – strings
  • Alex Somers – backing vocals

"Moonless"

  • Julie Byrne – piano, vocals
  • Marilu Donovan – harp
  • Jake Falby – strings
  • Eric Littmann – piano

"Summer Glass"

  • Julie Byrne – vocals
  • Marilu Donovan – harp
  • Jake Falby – strings, Aelita synthesizer
  • Eric Littmann – piano, Prophet Rev 4 synthesizer
  • Alex Somers – strings, Paraphonic synthesizer

"Summer's End"

  • Julie Byrne – guitar, vocals
  • Marilu Donovan – harp
  • Eric Littmann – Minilogue synthesizer

"Lightning Comes Up from the Ground"

  • Julie Byrne – guitar, vocals
  • Eli Crews – standup bass
  • Jake Falby – strings

"Flare"

  • Julie Byrne – guitar, vocals
  • Marilu Donovan – harp
  • Jake Falby – strings
  • Jefre Cantu Ledesma – Modular synthesizer
  • Eric Littmann – Minilogue synthesizer
  • Alex Somers – arrangement

"Conversation Is a Flowstate"

  • Julie Byrne – vocals
  • Eric Littmann – Minilogue synthesizer
  • Alex Somers – arrangement

"Hope's Return"

  • Julie Byrne – vocals
  • Jake Falby – bowed guitar
  • Nadia Hulett – backing vocals
  • Jefre Cantu Ledesma – Modular synthesizer
  • Alex Somers – bowed guitar

"Death Is the Diamond"

  • Julie Byrne – piano, vocals
  • Jake Falby – piano, opening strings

Technical personnel

  • Eli Crews – additional engineering
  • Taylor Deupree – mastering at 12K Mastering
  • Jake Falby – production
  • Ikhoor Studio – design
  • Rafael Anton Irisarri – additional recording
  • Eric Littmann – production
  • Alex Somers – mixing, production
  • Tonje Thilesen – photography

Charts[edit]

The Greater Wings was Julie Byrne's first domestic chart appearance, debuting at 90 on Billboard's Top Current Album Sales with 1,000 downloads sold in its first week.[47]

Chart performance for The Greater Wings
Chart Peak
Scottish Albums (OCC)[48] 14
UK Album Sales (OCC)[49] 10
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[50] 36
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[51] 6
UK Physical Albums (OCC)[52] 10
US Top Current Album Sales (Billboard)[53] 90

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Male, Andrew (July 4, 2023). "Julie Byrne The Greater Wings Review: Light and darkness intertwine for stunning meditation on grief and love". Mojo. ISSN 1351-0193. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e Moreland, Quinn (July 3, 2023). "How Julie Byrne's Astral Folk Music Took Flight". Music. The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. OCLC 1645522. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  3. ^ Kambasha, Michelle (July 7, 2023). "Julie Byrne: "Love is not mortal – I really do believe this"". Interview. Loud and Quiet. No. 159. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Tyler, Kieron (July 3, 2023). "Album: Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings". Reviews, News, & Interviews. The Arts Desk. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  5. ^ Renshaw, David (April 23, 2023). "Julie Byrne announces new album, shares "Summer Glass"". Music / Rock. The Fader. ISSN 1533-5194. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Helfand, Raphael. "Julie Byrne shares The Greater Wings' title track, announces tour dates". Music / Rock. The Fader. ISSN 1533-5194. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  7. ^ Renshaw, David (June 6, 2023). "Julie Byrne presses pause with restful new song "Moonless"". Music / Folk. The Fader. ISSN 1533-5194. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c Mitchell, Matt (July 7, 2023). "How Julie Byrne Found New Heights". Music > Features > Julie Byrne. Paste. ISSN 1540-3106. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "New Music Friday: Stream new projects from ANHONI and the Johnsons, Taylor Swift, and more". Music / Rock. The Fader. July 7, 2023. ISSN 1533-5194. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  10. ^ "The Greater Wings by Julie Byrne reviews | AnyDecentMusic". AnyDecentMusic?. n.d. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  11. ^ "The Greater Wings by Julie Byrne Reviews and Tracks – Metacritic". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. n.d. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  12. ^ Donelson, Marcy (n.d.). "Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  13. ^ Sacher, Andrew (July 7, 2023). "Album Reviews: Julie Byrne, PJ Harvey, ANOHNI, and more". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  14. ^ Oinonen, Janne (July 5, 2023). "Julie Byrne's third album The Greater Wings is an intimate yet expansive masterpiece rooted in loss and grief". Albums. The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  15. ^ Danton, Eric R. (July 6, 2023). "Julie Byrne Balances Loss With Letting Go on The Greater Wings". Music > Reviews > Julie Byrne. Paste. ISSN 1540-3106. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  16. ^ "The Best Albums of July 2023". Music > Lists > Best Albums. Paste. August 1, 2023. ISSN 1540-3106. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  17. ^ Hogan, Marc (July 10, 2023). "Julie Byrne: The Greater Wings Album Review". Albums. Pitchfork. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  18. ^ Brent, Alex (July 24, 2023). "Julie Byrne Soars on Otherworldly 'The Greater Wings'". Music. PopMatters. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  19. ^ Leas, Ryan (July 4, 2023). "Julie Byrne 'The Greater Wings' Review". Album Of The Week. Stereogum. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  20. ^ Neale, Matthew (July 7, 2023). "Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings". Reviews. Clash Music. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  21. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (July 7, 2023). "Julie Byrne: The Greater Wings review – a stunning study of love and loss". The Guardian. ISSN 1756-3224. OCLC 60623878. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  22. ^ "Album Review: Julie Byrne, The Greater Wings". Opinion. Hot Press. July 7, 2023. ISSN 0332-0847. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  23. ^ Johnson, Steven (July 14, 2023). "Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings". Album Reviews. musicOMH. ISSN 2516-6220. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  24. ^ Wright, Jonathan (July 10, 2023). "Julie Byrne". Reviews. The Quietus. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  25. ^ Pettinger, Jamie (July 4, 2023). "Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings". Arts & Entertainment / Music / Reviews / Albums. The Skinny. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  26. ^ O'Connell, Sharon (July 14, 2023). "Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings". Reviews. Uncut. ISSN 1368-0722. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  27. ^ "AllMusic Best of 2023". AllMusic. RhythmOne. n.d. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  28. ^ "Favorite Singer-Songwriter Albums". AllMusic. RhythmOne. n.d. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  29. ^ "BrooklynVegan's Top 55 Albums of 2023". BrooklynVegan. December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  30. ^ Sacher, Andrew (December 22, 2023). "10 Great Folk Albums from 2023". Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  31. ^ "Albums Of The Year 2023". Features. Clash Music. December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  32. ^ "Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2023". Features. Exclaim!. November 30, 2023. ISSN 1207-6600. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  33. ^ "The 50 best albums of 2023". The Fader. December 12, 2023. ISSN 1533-5194. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  34. ^ "Gorilla vs. Bear's Albums of 2023". Gorilla vs. Bear. November 30, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  35. ^ "Andrew Dansby picks his 10 best alternative albums of the year". Entertainment // Preview // Music. The Houston Chronicle. December 26, 2023. ISSN 1074-7109. OCLC 30348909. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  36. ^ Meagher, John (December 8, 2023). "Ranked: The best international albums of 2023". Entertainment / Music. Irish Independent. ISSN 0021-1222. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  37. ^ "MOJO's Top 75 Albums of 2023". BrooklynVegan. November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023. from the original in Mojo, issue 362 (ISSN 1351-0193
  38. ^ Hubbard, Michael (December 8, 2023). "musicOMH's Top 50 Albums Of 2023". Lists. musicOMH. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  39. ^ Navarro, Fernando (December 24, 2023). "The best music albums of 2023". Music. El País. ISSN 0213-4608. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "The 50 Best Albums of 2023". Music > Features > Best Albums. Paste. November 27, 2023. ISSN 1540-3106. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  41. ^ "The 50 Best Albums of 2023". Lists & Guides. Pitchfork. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  42. ^ "The 37 Best Rock Albums of 2023". Lists & Guides. Pitchfork Media. December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  43. ^ "The 50 Best Albums Of 2023". 2023 in Review. Stereogum. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  44. ^ Sacher, Andrew (November 9, 2023). "Uncut's Top 75 Albums of 2023". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 15, 2023. from the original in Uncut, January 2024 (ISSN 1368-0722
  45. ^ "Under the Radar's Top 100 Albums of 2023 Part 2". Lists. Under the Radar. December 23, 2023. ISSN 1553-2305. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  46. ^ Grein, Paul (March 21, 2024). "Killer Mike, Mitski, Caroline Polachek Among Top Nominees for 2024 Libera Awards". Exclusive. Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  47. ^ Zellner, Xander (July 19, 2023). "10 First-Timers on Billboard's Charts This Week: Olivia Dean, Miles Miller, FendiDa Rappa & More". Chart Beat. Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  48. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  49. ^ "Official Albums Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  50. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  51. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  52. ^ "Official Physical Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  53. ^ Zellner, Xander (July 19, 2023). "(Top Current Album Sales)". Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 22, 2023.

External links[edit]

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