Have One on Me
Have One on Me is the third studio album by American harpist and singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom, released on February 23, 2010, by the independent label Drag City.[1][2] The ambitious triple album spans 18 tracks and over two hours, featuring Newsom's signature intricate harp arrangements alongside lush orchestral instrumentation including strings, horns, and percussion.[3][4] Expanding on the narrative scope of her previous works, Have One on Me delves into themes of romantic and familial love, personal transformation, and historical figures, with songs like the title track inspired by the life of 19th-century dancer Lola Montez.[5] The album's elaborate compositions, often exceeding eight minutes, showcase Newsom's evolution as a songwriter, blending folk traditions with progressive and chamber elements for a more accessible yet expansive sound compared to her 2006 album Ys.[4][6] Upon release, Have One on Me was met with critical acclaim for its emotional depth and musical sophistication, earning a 9.2 out of 10 rating and Best New Music honors from Pitchfork, which described it as "ambitious yet inviting."[4] The New York Times praised its "spaciousness" and Newsom's matured vocal delivery, noting how the album grounds her ethereal style in three-dimensional storytelling.[7] The Guardian awarded it four out of five stars, highlighting its lyrical and musical complexity as consonant with the best of contemporary songcraft.[6]Background
Development
Following the critical and commercial success of her 2006 album Ys, which sold approximately 250,000 copies worldwide, Joanna Newsom began developing Have One on Me to pursue greater artistic freedom and indulge in creative excess, expanding beyond the constraints of her earlier work.[8][9] Initially envisioned as a double album, the project grew to three discs as Newsom realized additional material was needed to fully develop and resolve its thematic threads, allowing for a more expansive narrative structure.[9] Newsom wrote the album over a two-year period from 2007 to 2009, a time marked by significant personal influences that shaped its emotional depth. These included her burgeoning relationship with Andy Samberg, which informed tracks exploring love's complexities with dark humor and introspection, as well as her recovery from vocal strain after developing nodules on her vocal cords in spring 2009 due to inadequate warm-ups and environmental factors like singing in a smoky setting.[10][11][12] To address the issue, she opted for months of vocal rest rather than surgery, communicating via dry-erase board and beginning daily warm-up routines under a coach, which ultimately expanded her vocal range by a full octave.[13] The development began with initial sketches and song drafts that percolated over time, evolving from informal ideas into fully realized pieces. For instance, "'81" started as a shorter, poppier composition reflecting Newsom's occasional interest in concise pop structures, while "Baby Birch" emerged from deeply personal reflections on loss and legacy, building into a nine-minute lament.[12][9][11] Central to the album's conception was Newsom's desire to experiment with longer song formats unbound by orchestral arrangements, prioritizing intimate instrumentation like harp and piano to foster natural growth in the compositions and a more direct, earthy lyrical style compared to Ys's formality.[10][11] This approach, inspired by post-Ys performances with a smaller band, emphasized self-contained arrangements that highlighted her evolving voice and thematic ambitions.[9]Recording
The recording sessions for Have One on Me took place primarily in 2009 across multiple studios in the United States, including Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California; Sear Sound (now Avatar Studios) in New York City; Radiostar Studios in Weed, California; and King Sound & Pictures in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. Additional sessions occurred at locations such as The Quarry House in Trinidad, California, for specific instrumentation like acoustic guitar and banjo, and in Portland, Oregon, for drum parts.[14] Joanna Newsom served as the album's producer, taking a hands-on role in arranging, overdubs, and the overall creative direction, with longtime collaborator Noah Georgeson acting as primary engineer and mixer for several tracks recorded at King Sound & Pictures. TJ Doherty handled engineering duties at Radiostar Studios, while mixing was shared between Georgeson and Jim O'Rourke, who worked on select tracks at his Magnet Studios in Tokyo. Ryan Francesconi, Newsom's frequent arranger and guitarist from the Ys Street Band, contributed additional arrangements and conducted orchestral elements, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasized layered, organic builds.[14] The album employed live instrumentation throughout, featuring a core ensemble including Francesconi on guitar and strings, alongside session musicians such as Lila Sklar on violin, Marika Hughes on cello, and various percussionists like Neal Morgan on drums. Strings, woodwinds, and percussion were tracked in group settings to capture dynamic interplay, contrasting with the more orchestral approach of Newsom's prior work, and contributing to the record's intimate, textured sound.[14] Recording presented challenges, particularly with Newsom's vocals; she developed nodules on her vocal cords during the sessions, leading to months of vocal rest that delayed vocal tracking until recovery. This period of adjustment influenced the album's vocal delivery, resulting in a more mature and controlled style across the extended takes required for the intricate harp and piano arrangements.[15]Release and promotion
Release
Have One on Me was released on February 23, 2010, by the independent record label Drag City in both the United States and the United Kingdom.[16][17] The album's title and release date had been officially announced on January 12, 2010, following hints of new material debuted at a secret show in March 2009.[17][18] The record was issued in multiple formats, including a triple vinyl LP box set, a triple CD box set, and digital download.[16][19] Physical editions featured elaborate packaging with artwork and design by Joanna Newsom, emphasizing the project's artistic scope.[20] Distribution occurred primarily through independent retailers, aligning with Drag City's indie network. In the lead-up to launch, select tracks like "'81" and "Kingfisher" were streamed on the Drag City website, accompanied by advance listening opportunities such as NPR's full-album premiere on release day.[21][22] The album achieved initial sales exceeding 7,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number 75 on the Billboard 200.[23][24] Drag City, established in 1990 as an independent operation, fully funded the ambitious triple-album production without involvement from any major label, allowing Newsom creative control throughout.[20][25]Promotion
Advance copies of Have One on Me were distributed to select critics a few weeks prior to the album's February 23, 2010 release, with Drag City employing strict controls to prevent song leaks and maintain pre-release mystery.[26] These promotional materials included a special three-CD box set version, featuring custom illustrations by Joanna Newsom that incorporated harp motifs central to her musical identity.[27] To build anticipation, Drag City announced the album's title and tracklist in January 2010 through their official channels, including newsletters and website updates, while digital previews were shared via prominent platforms.[28] Pitchfork debuted the track "Kingfisher" on February 9, 2010, offering an early listen to one of the album's sprawling compositions, and NPR provided a full first listen stream on the release date itself.[21][22] Newsom participated in interviews that highlighted the album's thematic depth, particularly its exploration of indulgence, decadence, and emotional excess as responses to personal and relational shifts.[10][9] These discussions emphasized how the triple-disc format allowed for expansive storytelling, tying into broader marketing narratives around generosity and immersion. In 2025, marking the album's 15th anniversary, music outlets like Pitchfork published retrospective pieces celebrating its lasting influence and cult following among fans.[29]Touring
To support the release of Have One on Me, Joanna Newsom embarked on an extensive tour beginning in January 2010, starting with dates in Australia and New Zealand before expanding to North America in March and Europe in May.[30][31] The itinerary encompassed over 80 performances across intimate theaters, churches, and larger halls, with shows typically lasting two hours or more to accommodate selections from the album's 18 tracks.[32][33] Newsom performed with a backing band that brought the album's intricate arrangements to life, featuring multi-instrumentalist and arranger Ryan Francesconi on guitar, banjo, and various strings, alongside percussionist Neal Morgan on drums. Additional musicians, including rotating string and brass players such as violinists and a trombonist, joined for fuller renditions, incorporating harp, piano, and occasional orchestral elements to evoke the record's chamber folk sound.[34][35] This ensemble enabled ambitious live interpretations of the triple album's material, though the endurance required for such lengthy sets—often spanning nearly the full runtime—presented logistical challenges, including extended stage times that tested the performers' stamina during multi-night stands.[33][36] Setlists evolved throughout the year, shifting from more stripped-down presentations in smaller venues like Philadelphia's First Unitarian Church to elaborate productions in bigger spaces such as Los Angeles' Orpheum Theatre and Vancouver's Vogue Theatre. Early North American dates emphasized harp-led tracks like "Jackrabbits" and "In California," while later shows incorporated broader selections, including "Go Long" and "Kingfisher," blending Have One on Me songs with earlier catalog staples for dynamic pacing.[30][37][38] The tour included special appearances, such as Newsom's set at the 2010 Sasquatch! Music Festival on May 29 at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington, where she delivered a mix of new material amid the event's diverse lineup. Acoustic-oriented sessions, like her March NPR concert at Washington, D.C.'s Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, highlighted solo harp and piano performances of tracks such as "'81" and "Soft as Chalk."[39][33] Many shows were documented through fan-recorded audio and video bootlegs, including full recordings from Sydney Opera House and Paris' Grande Halle de la Villette, which circulated among enthusiasts and preserved the tour's evolving energy.[40][41] The tour extended into 2011 with select dates, maintaining a primary focus on Have One on Me repertoire through North American and European legs, before gradually incorporating previews of future work.[42]Music and lyrics
Style and structure
Have One on Me is formatted as a triple album released on three LP discs, featuring 18 tracks that span approximately 124 minutes in total runtime. The structure divides the material across the three discs without rigid thematic divisions, enabling a seamless progression from quieter, introspective pieces to more layered compositions, while maintaining an overall cohesion reminiscent of early 1970s California singer-songwriter records. This expansive yet unified approach allows for varied pacing, with songs sequenced to highlight both brevity and elaboration across the set. Newsom centers the album's sound on her harp and piano playing, with the harp dominating most tracks but piano emerging prominently on about five selections, shifting focus to more grounded, rhythmic foundations. Arrangements start sparse and folk-minimalist—often just harp or piano with subtle percussion—before building to fuller ensemble textures incorporating strings, horns, banjo, mandolin, and occasional electric guitar for dynamic contrast. Structural variety is evident in the tracks' durations, which range from the concise 1:48 of "On a Good Day" to the extended 11:02 of "Have One on Me," alongside incorporations of waltz time signatures (as in the jaunty 3/4 pulse of the title track) and modal scales that evoke folk traditions while adding harmonic ambiguity and emotional depth. Production choices prioritize a warm, intimate sonic palette, achieved through techniques like air over microphones to preserve live energy and natural resonance, fostering a relaxed, conversational feel that counters the orchestral grandeur and density of Newsom's prior album Ys. Embracing a DIY ethos, Newsom handled production duties herself, working with longtime collaborators Ryan Francesconi on arrangements and mixers Jim O'Rourke and Noah Georgeson to refine the sound; this hands-on approach results in restrained yet lush layers that emphasize accessibility and emotional immediacy over bombast.Themes
The album Have One on Me explores central themes of excess, vulnerability, and interpersonal relationships, drawing from Joanna Newsom's personal experiences of love, betrayal, and self-reflection.[43] These elements manifest in lyrics that balance raw emotional exposure with guarded introspection, often portraying the complexities of romantic entanglements and the emotional toll of giving too much of oneself.[10] Newsom has described the work as grounded in real-life situations, shifting from more abstract narratives in prior albums to direct, earthy expressions of human connection and its fractures.[10] Recurring motifs include nature as a symbol for emotional states, as in "Baby Birch," where the titular birch tree and accompanying imagery of geese and wild landscapes serve as metaphors for lost innocence and the grief of separation from a childlike or maternal bond.[43] Historical allusions appear in tracks like "'81," which evokes the Garden of Eden and pre-birth innocence to frame themes of temptation and expulsion from paradise.[43] Critiques of consumerism emerge in the title track "Have One on Me," where lavish gestures of hospitality mask underlying depletion and the commodification of personal generosity.[43] The album's narrative arcs progress from intimate personal confessions to broader, more expansive storytelling, tracing a 24-hour emotional cycle that begins with tentative optimism and ends in resolute closure.[43] This journey incorporates feminist undertones, particularly in "In California," which grapples with female agency amid patronizing relationships and societal expectations of domestic stability.[43] The title track itself is interpreted as an invitation to indulgence and self-sacrifice, embodying the album's prodigious length—over two hours across 18 songs—as a deliberate thematic device that mirrors the exhaustion of unchecked excess.[10][43]Reception
Commercial performance
Have One on Me debuted at number 75 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 7,000 copies in its first week.[44][45] This marked an improvement over the peak position of her previous album, Ys, and represented her strongest Billboard 200 entry at the time.[44] The release also performed well on genre-specific charts, reaching number 7 on the US Independent Albums chart. Internationally, it peaked at number 28 on the UK Albums Chart.[46] The album's commercial reception reflected its niche appeal within the indie and folk scenes, where the expansive three-disc format and lack of conventional radio singles constrained mainstream exposure. Despite initial modest sales, Have One on Me achieved sustained success through physical reissues, particularly vinyl editions that remain available via the label Drag City.[25] Its addition to major streaming platforms in 2017 broadened accessibility, contributing to ongoing listener engagement. As of 2025, it continues to stream widely on platforms like Spotify, supporting ongoing discovery among new audiences.[47][48] Compared to Newsom's earlier works, the album demonstrated growth in her cult following, as evidenced by higher chart placements and cumulative sales exceeding those of her debut despite similar indie market constraints. By 2010, Ys had sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, contributing to growing catalog sales for her indie releases.[49] The 15th anniversary in February 2025 prompted renewed fan discussions, highlighting enduring interest.Critical reception
Upon its release in February 2010, Have One on Me received widespread critical acclaim, earning an aggregate score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 35 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim."[26] Pitchfork awarded it 9.2 out of 10 and named it Best New Music, praising its accessibility through bluesy chord progressions and conversational songcraft that made the material more inviting than Newsom's prior work.[4] The publication highlighted the album's vocal maturity, noting Newsom's deeper, more forceful delivery, and lauded tracks like "Good Intentions Paving Company" as a "funny, weird, and hugely appealing road song" that exemplified its warmth and emotional peaks.[4] Similarly, The Guardian awarded it four out of five stars, commending its grand ambition and lyrical sophistication, describing it as a bold, over-two-hour epic that made intricate music seem effortless.[50] Critics frequently praised Newsom's evolved songcraft and vocal prowess, with many outlets emphasizing the album's rich storytelling and delicate arrangements as hallmarks of her growth.[26] However, some reviews pointed to its excessive length—spanning 18 tracks and nearly two hours—as a point of self-indulgence, potentially overwhelming listeners despite its strengths.[51] Rolling Stone, for instance, rated it 3.5 out of 5, acknowledging Newsom's establishment as a formidable singer-songwriter but critiquing moments of indulgence amid the elaborate compositions. Slant Magazine was more dismissive, assigning two out of five stars and arguing that the album's knotty, allusion-heavy style echoed the excesses of her previous release Ys, rendering it challenging without sufficient payoff.[51] In retrospective assessments during the 2020s, Have One on Me has been reevaluated as a pivotal work in indie folk, with publications like The Quietus underscoring its influence on the genre through themes of femininity in crisis and sparse, earthy arrangements that prioritized emotional intimacy over orchestral grandeur.[52] A 2020 Stereogum anniversary piece highlighted its guarded yet overwhelming emotional depth, positioning it as Newsom's most feminist album for grappling with self-worth, agency, and heartbreak in songs like "Good Intentions Paving Company," which captures visceral relational pain through wry humor and folk forms.[43] The 15th anniversary in February 2025 prompted fan discussions and social media acknowledgments from outlets like Pitchfork, highlighting its lasting appeal.[4]Accolades
Upon its release, Have One on Me was featured prominently in several year-end lists, including NPR Music's various staff and listener polls where it ranked as high as number 10 among critics like Ken Tucker and appeared in the top 25 of public selections.[53] Similarly, Uncut magazine named it the top album of 2010 in their end-of-year rankings.[54] In retrospective decade-end assessments, Have One on Me earned high placements, such as number 16 on Pitchfork's list of the 200 best albums of the 2010s, praised for its expansive songwriting and blend of folk traditions with personal introspection.[55] The A.V. Club included it at number 50 among their 50 best albums of the decade, highlighting its ambitious three-disc format and emotional depth.[56] Paste magazine ranked it within their 100 best albums of the 2010s, noting its status as a landmark in harp-driven folk composition.[57] The album garnered no major Grammy Award nominations or wins, though Joanna Newsom's prior work Ys had been shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Prize, providing context for her growing critical acclaim in indie and alternative circles. In fan-voted polls as recent as 2025, it continues to be celebrated, ranking number 24 on Rate Your Music's top albums of the 2010s based on user ratings and reviews.[58] These honors underscore the album's enduring influence, aligning with broader positive critical reception trends that emphasized its lyrical complexity and musical innovation.[59]Track listing and credits
Track listing
Have One on Me is a triple album consisting of 18 tracks spread across three discs in its standard CD and digital editions. All songs were written by Joanna Newsom. Promotional singles "'81" (January 26, 2010) and "Good Intentions Paving Co." (2010) were released ahead of the album. The total running time is 2 hours and 4 minutes.[16][3][14][60]Disc one
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Easy" | 6:04 |
| 2. | "Have One on Me" | 11:02 |
| 3. | "'81" | 3:52 |
| 4. | "Good Intentions Paving Co." | 7:02 |
| 5. | "No Provenance" | 6:25 |
| 6. | "Baby Birch" | 9:30 |
Disc two
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "On a Good Day" | 1:49 |
| 2. | "You and Me, Bess" | 7:13 |
| 3. | "In California" | 8:42 |
| 4. | "Jackrabbits" | 4:23 |
| 5. | "Go Long" | 8:03 |
| 6. | "Occident" | 5:31 |
Disc three
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Soft as Chalk" | 6:29 |
| 2. | "Esme" | 7:56 |
| 3. | "Autumn" | 8:02 |
| 4. | "Ribbon Bows" | 6:11 |
| 5. | "Kingfisher" | 9:11 |
| 6. | "Does Not Suffice" | 6:45 |
Personnel
Joanna Newsom served as the primary performer on Have One on Me, providing harp, piano, and lead vocals across all tracks, while also co-producing the album with Noah Georgeson.[14][43] The recording features a core band including Neal Morgan on drums, percussion, and timpani, and Ryan Francesconi on acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, and additional arrangements and conducting duties.[14] Guest musicians contributed a wide array of instruments, enhancing the album's chamber folk orchestration. Wind players included Phaedon Sinis on flute and tambura, Judith Linsenberg on alto, tenor, and bass recorder, Shawn Jones on bassoon, and Patrick Cress on bass clarinet.[14] Brass elements were provided by Eric Oberthaler on trumpet and cornet, and Andrew Strain on trombone.[14] Keyboard and other supporting roles were filled by Dan Cantrell on piano, electric organ, harpsichord, and accordion, with Andrew Roitstein on double bass.[14] Backing vocals appeared on select tracks from Lily Storm, Greg Moore, and Thom Moore, the latter two also handling vocal harmony arrangements.[14] A prominent string section added lush layers throughout the album, with contributions from Lila Sklar on violin, Djeina Haruta on viola, and additional players on cello and viola da gamba such as David Morris and Shira Kammen on vielle and rebec.[14] World music influences were incorporated via Kane Mathis on kora and Phaedon Sinis on kemenche.[14] Variations in instrumentation occurred across tracks; for instance, traditional and folk elements intensified on pieces like "No Provenance" with recorder and bassoon, while orchestral swells dominated tracks such as "'81."[14] Production was handled by Newsom and Georgeson, with mixing split between Jim O'Rourke on several tracks and Georgeson on others.[43][14] Engineering credits included Steve Albini for harp and vocal recordings at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, alongside Georgeson, T.J. Doherty, and Dana Gumbiner at various studios.[62][63] Mastering was completed by Steve Rooke at Abbey Road Studios.[63] Additional technical and creative roles encompassed Neal Morgan's writing for drum and percussion parts, and Ryan Francesconi's additional piano arrangements.[14] Artwork featured a hand-painted cover by Becca Mann, photography by Annabel Mehran, calligraphy by Corinna Taylor, and layout by Dan Osborn.[14] No prominent guest vocalists appear beyond subtle backing harmonies.[14]Chart performance and releases
Charts
Have One on Me achieved moderate commercial success on various international music charts upon its release in 2010, marking Joanna Newsom's strongest chart performance to date. The album debuted on the US Billboard 200 at number 75, representing her highest peak on that chart at the time. It also topped the Folk Albums chart and reached the top 10 on the Independent Albums chart, reflecting its strong appeal within niche genres and independent music markets. Additionally, it topped the Heatseekers Albums chart, highlighting its breakthrough among emerging artists. The album spent approximately five weeks on the Billboard 200 overall.[44] Internationally, the album entered several European and Oceanic charts, with notable peaks in the UK and Ireland. It experienced indie chart successes in markets like Canada and the Netherlands, where it resonated with alternative and folk audiences. In the 2020s, the album saw revivals on streaming platforms, appearing on Spotify's folk playlists and contributing to renewed interest in Newsom's catalog.[64][46] The following table summarizes key chart performances, including peaks, weeks on chart, and entry dates where available:| Country/Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart | Entry Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 75 | 5 | March 13, 2010 |
| US Folk Albums | 1 | - | March 2010 |
| US Independent Albums | Top 10 | - | March 2010 |
| US Heatseekers Albums | 1 | - | March 2010 |
| UK Albums Chart | 28 | 3 | March 13, 2010 |
| Irish Albums Chart | 24 | 2 | March 2010 |
| Dutch Albums Top 100 | 54 | 2 | March 2010 |
Release history
Have One on Me was initially released on February 23, 2010, in the United States and United Kingdom by Drag City Records in multiple formats, including a triple CD boxed set (catalog number DC390CD) and a triple LP boxed set (catalog number DC390). The album was also made available digitally on the same date through Drag City's official Bandcamp page, offering MP3 and FLAC downloads. These original releases featured an eight-page lyric booklet and printed inner sleeves, emphasizing the album's expansive three-disc structure. International variants included a Japanese edition released on March 3, 2010, by P-Vine Records under catalog number PCD-18617, which included the standard triple CD format along with a traditional obi strip. European releases mirrored the US version, distributed by Drag City with catalog number DC390CD, available as both triple CD and triple LP formats starting in late February 2010. Subsequent reissues comprised a triple cassette edition released in 2018 by Drag City (catalog number DC390C). A vinyl repress of the triple LP boxed set occurred in 2024, maintaining the original deluxe packaging. As of November 2025, no major anniversary edition has been issued for the album's 15th anniversary, though digital download bundles continue to be offered via Bandcamp and streaming platforms.| Date | Region/Country | Format | Label | Catalog Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2010 | US/UK | 3×CD, Boxed Set | Drag City | DC390CD | Original release |
| February 23, 2010 | US/UK | 3×LP, Boxed Set | Drag City | DC390 | Original release |
| February 23, 2010 | Global | Digital (MP3/FLAC) | Drag City | N/A | Via Bandcamp |
| March 3, 2010 | Japan | 3×CD, Boxed Set | P-Vine | PCD-18617 | Includes obi strip |
| February 23, 2010 | Europe | 3×CD, Boxed Set | Drag City | DC390CD | Regional distribution |
| February 23, 2010 | Europe | 3×LP, Boxed Set | Drag City | DC390 | Regional distribution |
| 2018 | US | 3×Cassette | Drag City | DC390C | Reissue |
| 2024 | US | 3×LP, Boxed Set | Drag City | DC390 | Vinyl repress |