Joy Crookes, the acclaimed South London singer songwriter, has revealed that a departure from her perfectionist tendencies has been a crucial element in the creation of her highly anticipated second album, Juniper. The record, which arrives nearly five years after her critically lauded debut, Skin, is a testament to the artist's personal and creative evolution. Crookes has been open about the struggles she faced, including a mental health crisis and an abusive relationship, which she says made her confront her need for control. The result is a body of work that is more raw, spontaneous, and ultimately, more honest.
Crookes's journey away from perfectionism was a challenging one, intertwined with a difficult period in her personal life. She has described how anxiety became so significant it manifested physically, making her unable to function. It was this pain, however, that ultimately led to a creative breakthrough. In a recent interview, she explained that she felt herself "let go" for the first time in her career, drawing a parallel to the spontaneous artistry of musicians like Van Morrison. This newfound freedom is evident in the album's sound, which she describes as "incredibly janky," embracing moments that "make no sense" but ultimately contribute to the unique charm and cohesiveness of the music.
The album's sound reflects this changed approach. Where her first album, Skin, was meticulously crafted with an eye for detail and a powerful neo soul sound, Juniper is more introspective and experimental. While she still works with trusted collaborators, the new songs are infused with a late night, woozy quality, featuring elements of dub reggae and trip hop. This is a deliberate choice, with the artist noting that she made a conscious effort to move away from the polished studio environment. She drew inspiration from her early days of making music in her bedroom with minimal equipment, proving that constraints can sometimes lead to greater creativity. This stripped down approach allowed her to focus more on songwriting and lyrical honesty rather than on sonic polish.
Ultimately, the themes of the new album reflect Crookes's personal journey. Songs on Juniper address the difficult topics of co dependency, intergenerational trauma, and mental health struggles with a new found wit and an avoidance of easy platitudes. The decision to embrace imperfection was not just an artistic choice but a personal one, a part of her recovery and self acceptance. For Crookes, the album's release is both "euphoric and sad," a complex reflection of what she has overcome. By letting go of the need for everything to be perfect, she has created her most compelling work to date, a clear example of how vulnerability and authenticity can lead to true artistic freedom.
