On her exquisite concept record Songs for John Venn, Lou Turner muses over the “great big reason why, the love letter in the sky” — loose metaphors for life’s larger meaning. Although poetic, Turner’s self-aware lyrics don’t posit her as an expert in the mysteries of love, transformation and spirituality; nor does the music resign to an apathetic state of nihilism. Her work approaches the existential with grace and reverence, all rooted in an ideology of pure wonderment. Soft indie-folk melodies and arrangements never rush the listener, allowing us to slide into life’s everyday sacred, reflective moments with her — perhaps recognizing ourselves somewhere in the pensive sounds and visions of Turner’s quest for a higher purpose. JACQUELINE ZEISLOFT
Best Spiritual but Not Religious Album
Lou Turner, Songs for John Venn
