The second single from ROLE MODEL's third album, following the TikTok-trendy ‘High Hopes 3000’, is entitled ‘Joy’. It's a reflection of the new and improved sound of healing, intertwined with that country twang that was abruptly introduced on ‘Kansas Anymore’, the album that catapulted Tucker Pillsbury from ex-boyfriend of Emma Chamberlain to replacement for hiatus Harry Styles to an artist with one of the most anticipated albums and tours of the year. This track is reminiscent of ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’ from the last album, yet sprinkled with a handful of hope, rather than the instantaneous melancholic twists we saw on previous tracks such as ‘Writing’s On The Wall’, a reflective moment of fleeting feelings post-relationship.
From the get-go, the goal of this song is clear. The way that Pillsbury describes ‘Joy’ in this song is utterly compelling, using in-your-face metaphor to convey a feeling of drive to find this personified goal, describing joy as a woman rather than the emotion he yearns for. On the surface, this is an early Elvis mixed with modern country, Kacey Musgraves-esque love song, but the sly lyricism quite obviously cuts deeper than that; he couldn’t write a song that was entirely full of happiness, of course. However, even with the brazen female backing vocals, this song radiates pure whimsy and naivety. Pillsbury utilises the metaphor cunningly, stating “I sober up / She’s nowhere to be seen” and “She sees the world a little less black and white / Says, "By the mornin', it'll be alright", a suggestion that this song maybe isn’t as hopeful as the listener may believe just from the dance-worthy tune and inkling of a clean slate, as Pillsbury alludes to themes of dependency.
There is absolutely no debating that this track will be a fan favourite, and a potential opening song for Chuck On Tour, the sing-along bridge making for the perfect way to get a crowd exhilarated for what’s to come, cowboy boots doing the two-step and voices ready to be lost the following day.
‘Chuck Timely & The Hourglass’, the new album, is out on the 7th of August via Interscope Records.
Amy Porter
Image: ‘Chuck Timely & The Hourglass’ Official Album Cover