Settle Down

iTunes Review

This New York singer/songwriter's third album, Settle Down, broadens her reach without tossing aside the kookiness that won her a mass following in the first place. Nunes’ full-bodied alto vocals and buoyant melodies—generally carried by her ukulele strumming—are rounded out by tastefully applied acoustic bass, drums, and background vocals. Settle Down’s sparse arrangements keep the spotlight on the songs, a nicely mixed bag of humorous ditties, wistful ballads, and Beatles-influenced pop tunes. Tracks like “Comatose,” “Nothing’s That Great," and “Look Out for Yourself” give full exposure to Nunes’ cheeky yet vulnerable persona. Comedic vignettes like “Pizza” and “He Is Mad” are balanced by bittersweet love songs like “Waiting.” Nunes also sprinkles in new versions of such previously recorded favorites as “Into the Sunshine,” “First Impressions," and “Odd.” Overall, Settle Down offers Julia’s loyal fans plenty of whimsical fun while demonstrating substantial craft and engaging honesty.