We Speak Music
Josh Rifkin ‘Lancaster Road’: A Heartfelt Reflection on Life and Loss

If you’re looking for an album that feels like a warm conversation with an old friend, Josh Rifkin’s Lancaster Road is exactly that. This latest release from the seasoned singer-songwriter is a masterclass in storytelling, blending heartfelt lyrics, rich melodies and a lifetime’s worth of experiences into a cohesive, emotional journey. Whether you’re reflecting on your own life or simply soaking in the music, this album feels like a soundtrack for the soul.
The title track “Lancaster Road,” sets the tone for the whole album. Inspired by a nostalgic drive with his late father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, the song is as much about loss as it is about cherishing the memories we hold dear. Rifkin’s knack for turning personal experiences into universal truths shines throughout the album. Each song feels like a vignette, covering themes like love, loss and societal reflection without ever veering into cliché territory.
Musically, Lancaster Road is rooted in the timeless singer-songwriter tradition, but it’s layered with soft rock grooves and blue-eyed soul. It’s easy to hear echoes of Rifkin’s past as the frontman of Mumblin Jim, a San Francisco band that shared stages with acts like Cake and Violent Femmes. But this album feels deeply personal as if Rifkin has distilled his decades of musical and life experiences into something uniquely his own.
One of the album’s strengths is its collaborative spirit. Recorded partly in Brazil with Grammy-winning producer Leonardo Marques and a group of South American musicians, the album exudes warmth and depth. Rifkin also brought in a stellar cast of guest vocalists, including Jennifer Souza and Bart Davenport, whose contributions add layers of richness to the already lush soundscapes. Longtime collaborator Keith Armstrong helped refine the album back in Los Angeles, ensuring that every note feels intentional.
What sets Lancaster Road apart is its emotional immediacy. Rifkin’s songwriting is deeply reflective without being overly sentimental. Some tracks heavy topics, but they’re grounded in melodies that feel comforting and familiar. It’s an album that invites you to sit with your emotions, but it doesn’t demand anything from you, it’s just there, like a steady companion.
Rifkin’s career is nothing short of impressive. From being signed by Island Records in the late ’90s to having his solo work featured on shows like The Mindy Project, Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, he’s seen it all. That experience is palpable in Lancaster Road. It’s an album made by someone who’s been through life’s ups and downs and has come out the other side with wisdom to share.
Lancaster Road is an album you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s introspective without being heavy-handed, polished without losing its raw emotional core. Whether you’re drawn in by the storytelling, the collaborations or the music itself, this album offers something for everyone.
If you haven’t already, give Lancaster Road a listen. It’s a journey worth taking.
We Speak Music
EMEREE’s Cinematic Pivot in ‘Eyesore’ from Pop Star to Pop Assassin

EMEREE doesn’t just make music—she curates moments. Her latest single “Eyesore” is a cinematic, sarcastic scorcher that sets a new tone for the rising Australian powerhouse. From the candy-coated production to the horror-tinged DIY music video, EMEREE is creating her own genre: camp pop noir.
The single is a masterclass in balancing artistry with attitude. Co-created with Christian Tjandrawinata, “Eyesore” proves EMEREE isn’t here to play safe. She plays sharp, with razor-lined harmonies and lyricism that stabs with a smile. It’s not just catchy—it’s calculated. The beat bounces, the vocals glide, but it’s the burn in the lines that lingers.
Visually, EMEREE doubles down. The music video is a bloody wink to 80s slasher films, with a narrative as satirical as it is symbolic. She doesn’t just kill her ex on screen—she kills the whole trope. Pop stars often tell stories of heartbreak. EMEREE turns it into performance art.
EMEREE says, “Eyesore” is the anthem for anyone who’s ever dated someone who treated them horribly and just wasn’t hot enough to get away with it.”
EMEREE is making noise for all the right reasons—and with creative backing from CAA and sessions alongside Nile Rodgers and Invisible Men, she’s not just rising. She’s plotting her pop empire. “Eyesore” is both a warning shot and a love letter to anyone who’s ever made revenge their aesthetic.
It’s the start of something bold—and we’re already obsessed.
-
We Speak Music1 week ago
Singer/Songwriter Aro Rose To Release Highly Anticipated New Single “Live Without You” On June 29th, 2025
-
We Speak Soccer1 week ago
From Small Steps to Big Goals: How Alianna-Reyne Basa Became a Fearless Striker with a Champion’s Heart
-
We Speak Soccer1 week ago
Brylee Tagle: Crafting Excellence on the Soccer Field with Vision, Confidence, and a Passion for the Game
-
We Speak Volleyball1 week ago
Eyes on the Ball, Heart in the Game: Ryan Jomo’s Volleyball Journey as a Libero Who Refused to Settle for Less