“Have One On Me,” the third album from singer-songwriter, fashionista and harpist Joanna Newsom is a sprawling, three-disc masterpiece that finds Newsom at the top of her game, crafting beautiful and complex compositions that spellbind and stir. In 2004, Newsom released her quirky debut, “The Milk Eyed Mender,” which established her as one of the main characters in the then-blossoming freak folk movement, spearheaded by Devendra Banhart. The album was comprised of simple folk compositions, at the center of which was Newsom’s childlike and squeak-prone voice, which was a dealbreaker for many, though others, critics included, found it endearing and intriguing.

Her 2006 follow-up, “Ys,” found Newsom experimenting with longer compositions and fuller arrangements, employing famous American composer and musician, Van Dyke Parks, to arrange full orchestra accompaniments. The album also found Newsom growing magnificently as a songwriter and vocalist, her voice more restrained and controlled, and her lyrics more poetic and thematically complex than anything found on “The Milk Eyed Mender.” “Have One On Me” finds Newsom not only demonstrating even stronger vocal abilities and songwriting techniques, but also making a logical next-step in terms of style and sound. Many of the qualities that made “Ys” such the memorable listening experience it was are still present on “Have One On Me:” lengthy compositions, complex arrangements and beautifully written lyrics. However, the songs on “Have One On Me” are at once more accessible and even more complex, demonstrating Newsom’s significant artistic growth. The album also find’s Newsom experimenting a bit with new styles. One such experiment appears in the form of “Good Intentions Paving Company,” which finds Newsom trading her harp for a piano for a rollicking, groovy swagger through a ’70s-Joni Mitchell-inspired number that stands as one of the most unique and immediately enjoyable songs Newsom has ever crafted. Lyrically, “Have One On Me” is far more personal and direct than Newsom’s previous work. Many of the songs are about love and the loss of love, presumably inspired by Newsom’s break-up with fellow singer-songwriter, Bill Callahan, as well as her current relationship with Saturday Night Live cast member Andy Samberg. One track that best demonstrates this is “Baby Birch,” one of the most stirring and emotionally moving songs on the album. The song sways and soothes beautifully through its first 6 minutes, a distorted guitar subtly snarling intermittently at Newsom’s lone voice and harp. Quite suddenly, the song reaches its climax with staggering drums, a quickened pace and a small choruses of voices, the effect of which is absolutely sublime. Though an extremely lengthy listen (more than 2 hours), “Have One On Me” is a remarkably consistent collection of songs that functions just as well as three separate pieces as one large whole. The faint of heart need not apply, but those willing will be rewarded greatly. —Ben Weissenborn, cmlife.com

JOANNA NEWSOM – Have One On Me