Joshua Burnside - It’s Not Going To Be Okay (2026)
I respect what this album is doing, but I don't find myself returning to it very often. The grief at its center is clearly real, and Burnside approaches it with honesty and restraint rather than sentimentality. There is never any doubt about the authenticity of the emotions being expressed.
The problem is that authenticity carries almost the entire weight of the record. Musically, the album remains remarkably static. The arrangements are sparse, the dynamics rarely expand, and many songs occupy a very similar emotional and sonic space. After several tracks, I stop anticipating where the music might go because it usually stays exactly where it started.
I also struggle to find enough memorable melodic moments. The songwriting is thoughtful, but many songs feel closer to reflections than fully realized compositions. They communicate a mood effectively, yet few leave a strong imprint once they end. The album asks for patience but doesn't consistently reward it with transformation, surprise, or catharsis.
In the end, I hear a sincere document of loss more than a compelling album experience. The emotional weight is real, but the music rarely develops enough tension, contrast, or momentum to elevate that weight into something larger. I admire its honesty, but I find its emotional and musical range too narrow to make a lasting impact.
Pros
The emotional subject matter feels genuine rather than performed.Burnside has a distinctive voice and strong sense of place.
The stripped-back production suits the intimacy of the material.
Cons
Very little escalation or cumulative build across the album.
Melodic anchors are often too subtle to create lasting replay value.
The emotional palette becomes repetitive, causing the album to feel longer than it is.
Genre: Indie Folk
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 58% (Forgettable Album)
Yearly Ranking: 453th / 485
Highlight: Good Times are Comin'
Made me think of:
Mount Eerie
Bill Callahan
Damien Jurado
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