Female Voices Soar on New Masterworks

Make sure to listen to the latest new studio efforts from Canadian legends Cowboy Junkies, groundbreaking rockers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and acclaimed songstress Jenny Lewis.

Artist: Cowboy Junkies

Title: Such Ferocious Beauty (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: Cowboy Junkies, Mazzy Star

Tell me more: Loss. Love. Aging and mortality. Those weighty themes — and others — are addressed with otherworldly beauty and poetic candor on Cowboy

Junkies’ latest album Such Ferocious Beauty. The Margo Timmins-led Canadian indie rock heroes’ music has always demanded that listeners immerse themselves in the group’s sumptuous sound and introspective songcraft. That holds true across the masterful 10-track Such Ferocious Beauty. The disc features nuggets aplenty; the rootsy “What I Lost,” experimental psychedelictinged “Flood” and sparse Americana offering “Circe and Penelope” are among early standouts on the album. The mood-swept “Shadows 2,” hypnotic “Knives,” Baroque roots foray “Mike Tyson (Here It Comes)” and poignant “Blue Skies” are late album highlights. The Cowboy Junkies are performing a string of dates in Southern California and Arizona in July 2023. Information: CowboyJunkies.com.

Artist: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Title: Mindsets

(Blackheart Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, The Runaways

Tell me more: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are back! On the new six-song EP Mindsets

(released via Blackheart Records on June 2) the spirit and sonic firepower of the groundbreaking troupe’s late ‘70s/early ‘80s melody-styled punk rock is fully on display. The original material — written by Blackhearts lead guitarist Dougie Needles and Jett — is full of the brash attitude of Jett’s classic work (notably “Bad Reputation,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You” and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”). The infectious opener “If You’re Blue,” countrified foray “Whiskey Goes Good,” fiery “Before The Dawn,” tuneful sing-along “Rear View Mirror” and other new cuts collectively celebrate Jett’s winning past as well as her continuing contributions to modern rock. The EP was produced by Jett, Kenny Laguna and Thom Panunzio. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform on a strong bill with Bryan Adams at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert on Friday, July 28, 2023. Information: joanjett.com.

Artist: Jenny Lewis

Title: Joy’All (Blue Note) You might like if you enjoy: Jenny Lewis, The Postal Service, Rilo Kiley, Aimee Mann

Tell me more: Joy’All finds acclaimed singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis delivering a dazzling set of enticing songs that are breezy on their surface yet reveal insights into life in the here and now with her characteristically-sharp wit. The selections across Lewis’ 5th solo album — produced by Dave Cobb at Nashville’s celebrated RCA Studio A — are positioned in an inviting sonic sphere where pop, 1990s R&B and indie country somehow meet. The infectious danceminded single “Psychos,” tuneful country-mining “Puppy And A Truck” and “Apples and Oranges,” pop-fused “Love Feel,” tender “Balcony,” confessional “Essence Of Life” and genre-blending “Chain Of Tears” are all first-rate songs on the wonderful disc. Information: JennyLewis.com.