Avalon Emerson Album Reviews

San Francisco’s Avalon Emerson made her reputation as a DJ. But she used the advice of Jeff Tweedy’s book How To Write One Song to start a career as a vocalist and songwriter, her ethereal voice floating over dream-pop melodies. 2023’s & the Charm was an excellent surprise, charming in its low-key tentativeness.

It’s almost like one of the last things we have is to get together and be excited about music and be excited about new bands and going out with your friends to see them. It’s one of the last things it feels we have that is not looking at the little glowing screen in your pocket. It feels good to be part of that.
Avalon Emerson, The Line of Best Fit

She’s made two pop albums so far, and they’re both terrific.

Avalon Emerson Album Reviews

Avalon Emerson and the Charm

Written Into Changes

Best Avalon Emerson Songs

Avalon Emerson and the Charm

2023, 9/10
Avalon Emerson has spent her music career to date as a DJ. Her reinvention as the vocalist for a dream-pop record is unexpected. She used Jeff Tweedy’s How To Write One Song as a guide, album opener ‘Sandrail Silhouette’ was one of the first songs written for the project, coming together quickly. But it’s terrific. Emerson’s gentle and airy vocals sound great on these dreamy pop songs. She name checks the Cocteau Twins as an influence, and they’re a good reference point, even if the sound palette is more contemporary and Emerson doesn’t have Liz Fraser’s vocal power.

‘Astrology Poisoning’ is a standout track with its memorable synth hook and a great opening line (“Closer to the sun / Just hit 31”). The funky guitars of ‘Sandrail Silhouette’ recall the Cocteau Twins’ Heaven and Las Vegas. Even on the quieter tracks, Emerson’s ear for a tune is unerring.

Avalon Emerson’s pop debut is a sophisticated delight.

Written Into Changes

2026, 9/10
Written Into Changes is more confident, with fuller arrangements and more assured vocals. Sometimes it recalls 1980s sophisti-pop.

Written Into Changes is full of great moments, including:

‘Happy Birthday’, with the line “Too young to die / Too old to break through”. It’s delivered with typical etherealness, making her meaning ambiguous.
‘How Dare This Beer’, a mildly barbed paean to home comforts.
The unexpected synth break on ‘God Damn (Finito)’ nods to her dance floor heritage.

It’s almost unfair to pick out highlights on such an even album – it flows through ten excellent tracks.