River: An Album Review 

By: Emily Eade 

The album River is Rain Phoenix’s first solo studio album. The title of the album is a subtle tribute to her late brother River Phoenix. The debut album consists of calming folk-alternative rock ballads. The eight-song album is a darkly romantic meditation on loss that wonders if those who die are gone or live forever through us. 

“Immolate” is the first track of the album. The song starts with Phoenix’s voice isolated and gradually adding instrumentals as it goes on. This song is inspired by the themes of struggle and recovery from a loss. These themes with Phoenix’s voice give an unmistakable sincerity and emotional feel. Phoenix uses this song to express a connection with loved ones who remain in our hearts long after they’ve left us. 

“Stay Together" is the second song on the album. The song consists of multiple moments of bizarre instrumentals, such as abrupt moments from a synthesizer or music box. These sounds create a confusing direction, but the combination of the lyrics and Phoenix’s voice creates a peaceful feel. Phoenix uses this approach to show a peaceful outlook on death. This can be seen through the lyrics, “You stop taking for granted and I’ll stop ignoring you and we can stay together now. I don’t wanna fight. You’re chasing more than the night looks different in the light. But everything goes away, oh. Everything, everything goes away.”

“Lost in Motion” is the second to last song on the album. This emotional song was primarily written by River Phoenix for his band Aleka’s Attic. Rain would ultimately finish the project that was created by her late brother. The final song on the album is “Hey Heartache”. Phoenix uses this song to reminisce about the previous years when grief was a prominent part of her life. This heavy orchestral piece would become the perfect ending to this album. The lyrics, “When I was a child, running wild, you were right there with me” would show Phoenix shedding light on a loss that deeply affected her.

This eight-song album consists of minimal instrumentation and raw, unfiltered vocals, which makes the album seem so intimate. River is Phoenix’s way to continue the legacy of her late brother by expressing the ups and downs that come with life and death. Reminding her of the beauty her brother had brought to the world. Phoenix would go to her brother's friends and find a deeper connection with him, as a way to help her create this album.