Nearly a decade after her acclaimed debut album Arms of July, singer-songwriter Chrissy Johnson is back in the spotlight—Shake Where You’re Steady is her long-awaited second album, and it’s everything fans of Johnson’s heartfelt, lyrically rich music could have hoped for.
This 12-track collection was born out of Chrissy’s cumulative struggles during and after the pandemic, and explores the themes of heartbreak, healing, and hope. This emotional rollercoaster comes wrapped up in an unassuming warm folk-pop sound that somehow feels both fresh and timeless.
The album kicks off with Greatest Abandon, a confident rhythm-driven opener that sets the tone for what’s to come. The yearning to love with abandon, feeling your heart jump out of your chest is a feeling that we can all relate to. This track feels like liberation set to music—an anthem for anyone who’s ever taken a deep breath, let go, and stepped forward into the unknown.
In the Meantime, was another upbeat track that caught my attention thanks to its infectious beat infused with elements of jazz. Chrissy shows that she’s not all about one genre, and her maturity as an artist really shines through on this track.
It’s worth mentioning that the production, helmed by Steve Dawson at Kernel Sound Emporium, is absolutely top-tier. The instrumentation never overshadows
Chrissy’s voice; instead, it lifts her storytelling, weaving in pop, folk, and soft rock to create something that feels handcrafted for each lyric.
Johnson’s writing on this album is also noteworthy. Even though her lyrics are sharp and poetic they don’t feel overly cerebral, letting you enjoy the music while still landing the message with perfection. You get the sense Chrissy isn’t just writing songs; she’s working through something, and we’re lucky enough to listen in.
But the standout track for me was Falling, which features the titular line “Shake when you’re steady.” There’s something about Chrissy’s expression of vulnerability and infatuation here that just hits home. Her voice carries a sweet honesty that you just can’t help liking.
By the time we hit the closing track Pretty Little Heart, it feels like we’ve been on a journey. It’s soft, it’s simple, and it leaves you with the kind of calm that only comes after a storm.
Shake Where You’re Steady isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement. Chrissy Johnson proves that she hasn’t just held onto the lyrical strength and soulful honesty of her debut; she’s built on it. I’ll definitely be keeping this one in rotation, and can’t wait to see what Chrissy does next.
ONLINE:
https://www.chrissyjohnson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chrissyjohnsonmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/chrissyjohnson2016
https://chrissyjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/shake-where-youre-steady
