Album Review: Vance Joy - Nation Of Two

Melbourne singer-songwriter Vance Joy retains the epic, acoustic pop sound he's become known for, with 13 great tracks on his second album, Nation Of Two.

There's little-to-no departure from the sound or style of his previous releases. Saturday Sun and Lay It On Me, both with a fun, driving, uplifting vibe, rolling snare and big horns, have a similar feel to Mess Is Mine, off Joy's 2014 album Dream Your Life Away.

Album highlights include the soft, pining I'm With You, the building One Of These Days and Take Your Time, with finger-picked guitar, tambourine and a four-to-the-floor kick drum that holds it all together. Like Gold is undoubtedly one of the catchiest songs on the album, combining a folk feel with pop sensibility.

The range of Joy's strong, emotive voice is well showcased and towards the end of the album, songs like Little Boy and Bonnie & Clyde truly show off Joy's knack for storytelling and lyricism.

Vance Joy's Nation Of Two is the perfect album to soundtrack a lazy Sunday afternoon or a summer road trip and is full of songs destined for the charts and relentless radio play.