ALBUM REVIEW: Margaret Glaspy Puts Fraught Relationships Under a Microscope on 'I Am Both'
Interpersonal friction reaches alarming levels on I Am Both, the riveting fourth album from Margaret Glaspy. Hurt feelings, poor communication, and selfish urges inspire a memorable collection of vignettes that capture common relationship ills with unfiltered honesty. If Glaspy’s unflinching portrayals can feel uncomfortably blunt, her gift for
Black News 
Interpersonal friction reaches alarming levels on I Am Both, the riveting fourth album from Margaret Glaspy. Hurt feelings, poor communication, and selfish urges inspire a memorable collection of vignettes that capture common relationship ills with unfiltered honesty. If Glaspy’s unflinching portrayals can feel uncomfortably blunt, her gift for beautiful folk-pop makes this compelling set irresistible all the same.
The California-born, New York City-based Glaspy excels at subtle twists on familiar forms. Her lyrics rigorously avoid obvious paths, and her poised singing can add an undercurrent of tension to the nicest melody. Produced by the trusty Joe Henry, I Am Both is a masterpiece of simplicity and directness. The only players besides Glaspy (guitar) are Patrick Warren (keyboards), Jay Bellerose (drums), and Ross Gallagher (bass), while the uncluttered arrangements and clean sound allow every understated note to come through clearly.
