Josh Jensen’s musical journey is a testament to evolution, passion, and perseverance. Growing up in eastern Washington, his early exposure to country legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Charley Pride laid the foundation for his deep connection with music. From childhood performances with his cousins to forming his own bands, Jensen’s artistic path was inevitable.
His first professional studio experience came in 2000 at Seattle’s renowned The Dutchman, where he recorded with his pop-punk band, Popular by Association, under the guidance of producer Gary Mula (known for his work with Damien Jurado). However, Jensen’s musical interests expanded beyond pop-punk, leading him to explore folk, grunge, and alternative rock. His journey continued with the funk-prog outfit Cadre, which later evolved into the Bellingham-based funk powerhouse Sweet Beets. Now, with nearly two decades of musical growth, collaborations, and life experiences, Jensen returns with his third solo album, “This Is Where We Landed”.
Released on March 7th, 2025, “This Is Where We Landed” is more than just a collection of songs, it’s a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and resilience. The album, produced and engineered by longtime collaborator Luke Rain, was recorded through late-night studio sessions in 2024. It features an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Alex Capron and Evan Earhart on horns, Sunnie Larsen on violin, Matthew O’Toole on mandolin and bass, and Shauna Ward on guitar and vocals.
Jensen’s songwriting on this album is profoundly influenced by his wife’s battle with breast cancer, a life-altering event that shaped the emotional depth of the record. The themes of love, family, wandering, and death are woven throughout, making this album feel like a deeply personal letter to listeners. Musically, the record embraces Americana, but with traces of folk, soul, and even jazz elements, drawing inspiration from artists like The Band and Lianne La Havas.
This Is Where We Landed Album Track List:
Birdhouse:
The opening track of “This Is Where We Landed”, “Birdhouse,” immediately draws listeners in with an atmosphere of celebration. It begins with the sound of cheering voices, soon accompanied by plucked strings and clapping percussion, creating a warm and communal energy. Jensen’s vocals, rich and inviting, enter effortlessly, setting the stage for a song that balances nostalgia with forward momentum. The lyrics delve into themes of healing and life’s cyclical nature, reinforcing the idea that even in uncertainty, there is beauty and renewal.
Musically, “Birdhouse” is a vibrant fusion of folk and blues-rock, carried by the layered instrumentation that defines much of “This Is Where We Landed”. Matthew O’Toole’s mandolin and bass infuse the song with a lively, danceable rhythm, while Alex Capron’s saxophone and Evan Earhart’s trombone introduce a soulful, jazz-inflected warmth. The track unfolds dynamically, with the saxophone stepping forward around the 3:10 mark to take center stage, elevating the song’s joyful and reflective atmosphere. This instrumental interplay enhances the emotional depth of the track, making it feel both spontaneous and carefully crafted.
What makes “Birdhouse” even more special is its origin. The song was inspired by a poem Jensen wrote during a sunrise in Bellingham in 2005, a moment of personal reflection that he has now translated into music. This long-gestating idea, finally realized on “This Is Where We Landed”, carries a sense of history and evolution, much like the themes of the album itself. It serves as a fitting introduction to the record, embodying both Jensen’s personal journey and the collaborative spirit of the project.
Dusty Roads and Broken Dreams:
“Dusty Roads and Broken Dreams,” the third track on “This Is Where We Landed”, unfolds like a cinematic journey through the heart of Americana. Opening with a gentle acoustic guitar, the song immediately conjures images of endless highways and solitary travels. Jensen’s vocals, warm and emotive, step in with a storytelling approach that feels both personal and universal. His lyrics paint a picture of love lost and dreams that slip through one’s fingers, embodying the weary yet determined spirit of the wanderer. The song’s steady progression mirrors the feeling of moving forward despite heartbreak, making it an emotionally resonant moment on the album.
As the track builds, it introduces the soulful presence of Sunnie Larsen’s violin, which weaves through the melody like a ghostly echo of past regrets and unfulfilled promises. The interplay between the violin and acoustic foundation creates a hauntingly beautiful effect, deepening the song’s melancholic mood. The instrumentation remains delicate yet powerful, never overshadowing Jensen’s voice but rather enhancing the rawness of his storytelling. The song’s structure is intentional, pulling the listener into its atmosphere of longing before swelling into a rich, layered soundscape that perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of life’s unpredictable journey.
Interestingly, “Dusty Roads and Broken Dreams” takes inspiration from the classic song Long Black Veil, a storytelling tradition rooted in murder ballads and mystery. Dubbed the “murder mystery song” of the album, it carries an eerie, almost cinematic quality, subtly hinting at themes of fate and consequence. This unique narrative angle sets it apart from the other tracks, offering a compelling blend of folk storytelling and emotional weight. It’s a song that lingers long after it ends, inviting listeners to unravel its mysteries with each listen.
City Lights:
“City Lights,” the seventh track on “This Is Where We Landed”, captures a quiet yet profound moment of introspection. Opening with a gentle acoustic strum and rhythmic clapping, the song immediately establishes a warm and reflective atmosphere. Jensen’s vocals, rich with sincerity, deliver lyrics that contemplate time’s fleeting nature against the unchanging glow of urban landscapes. Lines like “This candle burns down farther, time stands a lonely martyr, but these city lights don’t go out at night” encapsulate the song’s central theme, how life moves forward relentlessly, yet certain elements remain constant, offering a sense of comfort and permanence.
Musically, “City Lights” thrives on its delicate yet layered instrumentation. Shauna Ward’s contributions on guitar and harmonized vocals enrich the song, adding an extra layer of warmth and texture to Jensen’s lead. The chemistry between their voices creates an intimate and engaging dynamic, amplifying the song’s contemplative tone. Beneath the surface, the bass guitar introduces a subtle groove that keeps the track grounded, providing just enough movement to balance its introspective lyrics. The arrangement feels natural and unforced, allowing each element to contribute without overpowering the song’s gentle flow.
A highlight of “City Lights” is its standout guitar, which elevates the song’s emotional weight without breaking its meditative quality. The solo carries a sense of longing, echoing the song’s themes of time passing and memories persisting. As the track unfolds, it achieves a delicate balance between melancholy and hopefulness, inviting listeners to find beauty in both change and constancy. It’s a song that lingers in the mind, much like the city lights that continue to shine long after the night has ended.
Hello, Hysteria:
“Hello, Hysteria,” the ninth track on “This Is Where We Landed”, dives deep into the complexities of inner conflict and self-reflection. The song opens with a gentle, contemplative atmosphere, immediately drawing listeners into Jensen’s introspective world. His emotive vocals carry a sense of vulnerability, navigating lyrics that explore the delicate balance between perception and reality. There’s a quiet intensity in the way the song unfolds, as if Jensen is inviting listeners into a personal reckoning, a conversation with the self that is both intimate and universal.
Musically, the track builds gradually, allowing each element to breathe and contribute to the emotional weight of the song. A steady beat underpins the composition, providing a rhythmic anchor without overpowering the delicacy of the lyrics. Subtle layers of instrumentation emerge throughout, enhancing the mood while keeping the focus on Jensen’s heartfelt delivery. Alex Capron’s contributions add a richness to the arrangement, seamlessly blending into the song’s introspective atmosphere. The restraint in the production ensures that the emotional core of the track remains at the forefront, making every word and note feel intentional and necessary.
What sets “Hello, Hysteria” apart is its raw, unfiltered emotional honesty. The song doesn’t just explore the idea of inner turmoil, it embodies it, taking listeners on a journey through doubt, acceptance, and catharsis. Its stripped-down yet deeply layered approach makes it one of the most poignant moments on the album, offering a space where vulnerability becomes a form of strength. The result is a song that lingers, not just in sound but in feeling, resonating long after the last note fades.
From the first track, the album exudes warmth and sincerity. Each song is meticulously arranged, with Jensen’s signature guitar work shining through, sometimes delicate and intricate, other times raw and powerful. The contributions from guest musicians add layers of richness, particularly Capron’s saxophone, which adds a nostalgic yet fresh dynamic reminiscent of Jensen’s time with Sweet Beets.
Beyond the music, “This Is Where We Landed” represents a significant step forward for Jensen as an independent artist. Signing with Bellingham-based Washingtones Records for physical distribution, the album will be available on vinyl through Good Neighbor Records, using innovative PET technology for an eco-friendly pressing. Pre-orders go live in April, with vinyl expected in May. In an era where music often feels mass-produced, “This Is Where We Landed” stands out as a heartfelt, hand-crafted work of art. It’s an album that doesn’t just tell a story, it invites listeners into Jensen’s world, offering them a place to reflect, heal, and connect.
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