Sanctuary
Sunshine, 2023
8/10
A Colorado resident who is well versed in folk and rootsy sounds, this 13th album from Rebecca Folsom is her most emotional and sonically polished to date, where each track was penned with marginalized communities in mind.
“New Way Home” gets the listen off to an emotive and intimate start, where cozy acoustic guitar and Folsom’s stunning, expressive voice unfolds with a poetic quality, and “Mercy” follows with her eloquent storytelling alongside the soft, dreamy instrumentation.
In the middle, graceful piano enters the sophisticated and gospel influenced “Only Kindness”, while “Home” is particularly powerful, with sublime bass plucking and well timed backing vocals that steer the album into lush areas.
Nearing the end, “Power Of Love” welcomes melodic acoustic strumming in the upbeat and positive folk delivery, and “One At A Time” exits with a stirring presence of timeless, absorbing song craft that illustrates Folsom’s beautiful and heartfelt craft.
A very cautious and sincere body of work, Folsom makes the most of every authentic moment of this universally enjoyable listen.
Travels well with: Laura Zucker- Lifeline; Peach & Quiet- Beautiful Thing