Review: Jake Lee Rau, "Joy"

I admit it, I first heard Jake Lee Rau on the Buffy: The Vampire Slayer episode "The Initiative" like almost every one else has. I fell in love with the song instantly, and spent a good few years trying to hunt down Rau's album, "Joy."

Rau seems to be a bit of a mystery. Searching for her on the interwebs is near impossible. No offical website, no albums on itunes, not even a video on youtube. All I've managed to find is that she's a Canadian born artist and has worked with both the Cactus Hunters and Brad Scribner, and Buffy creator Joss Weedon has *incredible* taste in music.

Somewhere between folk-rock and alt country, her bluesy raspy voice shines on this album. "Welcome," the song featured on Buffy is a gorgeous, haunting song, while "Open road" has a definite rock feel to it. The album has an honest, simple feel to it complete with deep, gusty vocals that are easy to fall in love with.

She's that good.

A wonderful debut album, One can only hope she produces more. If anyone can help with more information on the artist, please let me know!

Russ says: She has a really amazing voice. Very powerful and bluesy. Kind of reminds me of Janis Joplin on some songs. I also really love that album cover!

Track List:

1. Light On My Feet
2. Another Day
3. Welcome
4. Open Road
5. Let Them In
6. Empty Room
7. My Own Way
8. Lost Hope
9. October
10. Joy

"Welcome"



"October"




Please note that songs are only for preview purposes, support the artist and buy the album! It's available here from Amazon, and here from CD Baby.