Sturgill Simpson, the enigmatic and influential figure in modern country music, has made a powerful return under the new moniker Johnny Blue Skies with his latest album, “Passage Du Desir.” This album marks a significant shift in Simpson’s career, as he had previously announced his retirement as a solo artist in 2021 after completing a five-album cycle. However, Simpson’s creative spirit couldn’t be contained, and he has reemerged with a fresh sound and a new identity.
“Passage Du Desir” is a genre-defying work that blends elements of country, rock, and soundscape, creating a unique and immersive musical experience. The album is inspired by Simpson’s recent life experiences, including an international journey that began in Thailand and concluded in Paris, where he has been living and writing. The title of the album is derived from a neighborhood in Paris known for its hidden corridors and small hotels, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the project.
Simpson’s return to the stage was first announced with a legendary lineup of his previous backing band members, including Laur Joamets, Kevin Black, and Miles Miller. However, none of these players appear on the album. Instead, Simpson has assembled a new group of musicians, including Jake Bugg on guitar, Dan Dugmore on pedal steel, Sierra Hull, Steve Mackey, and Fred Eltringham. As a producer, Simpson prefers to handpick his session players, and he also plays a significant role on the album himself.
“Passage Du Desir” is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the timeline of a relationship, from its inception to its eventual demise. The album’s sound is untethered by genre, allowing Simpson to explore a wide range of ideas both lyrically and sonically. The seven-minute track “Jupiter’s Faerie” exemplifies this approach, with Simpson singing, “There’s no happy endings, only stories that stop before they’re through.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the album, which revels in asking questions rather than providing answers.
Fans of Simpson’s earlier work, such as his debut album “High Top Mountain” or his critically acclaimed “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” may find “Passage Du Desir” to be a departure from his previous style. However, Johnny Blue Skies owes nothing to country music, and Simpson’s new project is a bold and uninhibited exploration of his artistic vision. The album’s standout moments include the extended explorations of “Jupiter’s Faerie” and the closing track “One For The Road,” which showcase Simpson’s ability to create soaring and emotionally resonant music.
In an interview with GQ, Simpson reflected on his transformation, stating, “Sturgill served his purpose, but he’s dead, he’s gone, and I’m definitely not that guy anymore.” This sentiment is evident in the album, as Simpson embraces his new identity and sound. However, traces of the old Sturgill Simpson can still be found in tracks like “Who I Am,” where he sings, “They don’t ask you what your name is when you get up to heaven. And thank God. I couldn’t tell her if I had to who I am.”
The album’s title track, “Passage Du Desir,” is a captivating and genre-blending piece that sets the tone for the entire project. The song’s lyrics and instrumentation reflect Simpson’s journey of self-discovery and his exploration of new musical landscapes. The track “Swamp of Sadness” features a French macabre/cabaret influence, reminiscent of mid-career Tom Waits, while “If The Sun Never Rises Again” showcases Simpson’s R&B influences and his ability to experiment with different vocal styles.
“Scooter Blues” is a simple yet poignant song that reflects Simpson’s time in Thailand and Paris, capturing his desire to lose himself and find a new direction in life. The track “Jupiter’s Faerie” is a celestial and deeply personal song that explores themes of loss and grief, with Simpson’s vocals and the song’s keys part creating an immersive and emotional experience.
“Who I Am” is perhaps the most country song on the album, with its Outlaw beat and introspective lyrics. The track chronicles Simpson’s loss of self during his world travels and his journey towards self-discovery. “Right Kind of Dream” is a more experimental track that relies heavily on a repetitive melody, making it one of the album’s weaker moments. However, “Mint Tea” brings the album back to its country roots, with its phaser-enhanced acoustic guitar and Dan Dugmore’s steel guitar adding a cosmic element to the song.
The album’s closing track, “One For The Road,” is a poignant and introspective song about the end of a long relationship. The song’s extended outro, featuring Simpson’s guitar playing, captures the deep emotion behind the song and leaves listeners with a sense of longing and reflection.
“Passage Du Desir” is a complex and immersive musical journey that showcases Sturgill Simpson’s evolution as an artist. While the album may not be a cohesive masterpiece, it is a bold and inspired work that pushes the boundaries of genre and explores new sonic landscapes. Simpson’s return as Johnny Blue Skies is a testament to his creative spirit and his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his artistic vision.
Source: GQ, High Top Mountain Records, Thirty Tigers
