Blue Reminder [CD]

Meg Duffy of Hand Habits wrote new album Blue Reminder as a reaction to what one does when happiness actually comes knocking. After years of collaborating and touring with musicians like Kevin Morby and Perfume Genius, Duffy still draws on the solace of that community, but takes center stage, with their most assured, classic songwriting yet against a backstop of nuanced instrumentation and moving testimony. The record is a celebration of commitment: to being a more honest version of yourself, driven by a romantic love that recognizes the beauty of imperfection. Lead single “Wheel of Change” is perhaps the most joyous and anthemic song Duffy has ever made, with a chorus that remains stuck in your head, but the record as a whole traverses a myriad of emotions where the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been.