Blake Mills - Break Mirrors (2010)

Blake Mills is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer who released his debut solo album, Break Mirrors, in 2010. The album showcases his versatile musical talents, ranging from folk rock to pop rock, and features guest appearances from Jesca Hoop, Danielle Haim, and Z Berg. The album received critical acclaim for its originality, creativity, and emotional depth.

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Background and recording

Blake Mills started his musical career as a member of the band Simon Dawes, which later became Dawes after he left in 2007. He then became a session musician and toured with artists such as Fiona Apple, Lucinda Williams, and Julian Casablancas. He also co-produced albums for Jesca Hoop, Sara Watkins, and Sky Ferreira.

In 2010, Mills decided to record his own solo album, which he wrote, produced, and performed by himself. He recorded the album at Zeitgeist Studios and Casa Chica in Los Angeles, with the help of engineers Shawn Everett and Andy Brohard. He also invited some of his friends and collaborators to contribute vocals and drums on some tracks.

Music and lyrics

The album consists of nine tracks that showcase Mills' diverse musical influences and styles. The opening track, "Cheers", is a bluesy rock song that features a slide guitar solo and a catchy chorus. The second track, "It'll All Work Out", is a folk ballad that expresses optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. The third track, "Hey Lover", is a pop rock song that features Danielle Haim on backing vocals and a playful guitar riff. The fourth track, "Hiroshima", is a dark and haunting song that reflects on the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Japan in 1945. The fifth track, "Wintersong", is a duet with Jesca Hoop that blends acoustic guitar and piano with lush harmonies. The sixth track, "Like It's Something", is a upbeat rock song that showcases Mills' vocal range and guitar skills. The seventh track, "Women Know", is a soulful song that features Z Berg on backing vocals and a horn section. The eighth track, "Under the Underground", is a psychedelic rock song that features Jesca Hoop on backing vocals and a distorted guitar solo. The ninth and final track, "History of My Life", is a folk rock song that sums up Mills' personal journey and artistic vision.

Reception and legacy

The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. AllMusic gave the album four out of five stars and praised Mills' "engaging songs imputable to memorable melodies and beautifully written lyrics". Album of the Year gave the album an average score of 80 out of 100 based on four reviews and called it "CRIMINALLY OVERLOOKED AND UNDERRATED". Rate Your Music gave the album an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 1,030 ratings and ranked it as the 32nd best album of 2010.

The album also established Mills as a respected and sought-after musician in the industry. He went on to produce albums for artists such as Alabama Shakes, John Legend, Perfume Genius, Laura Marling, and Lana Del Rey. He also released two more solo albums: Heigh Ho in 2014 and Mutable Set in 2020.

Track listing

No.

Title

Length

1.

"Cheers"