With the success of “Rip- tide” which was released in March of 2013 included on his EP “God Loves You When You’re Dancing” many were unsure of whether Vance Joy, Australian born indie/ folk singer’s new album would live up to the success of the single. The song was featured on multiple commercials and known worldwide.

When he played at Lollapalooza in August, the crowd swaying with the beat to all his songs’but when he played “Rip- tide” the crowd belted it out, as it was the only song they knew.

This album did more than live up to “Riptide” some songs on the album out- shine it. Throughout the album one can hear Vance Joy’s story telling ability. His soft folk voice over the acoustic guitar is a perfect match.

A couple highlights of the album are “From Afar” a slow song about a love that is just out of reach, a situation many can attest too.The song starts off with only Joy’s vocal and his guitar, as the song progresses the piano is brought in, then the drums creating a powerful ending to the song.

Another song that progresses in the same way is “Best That I Can”. It starts off quite with only an acoustic guitar and Joy’s vocal then building to the chorus. This shift of levels of music continues varying from the chorus, that is a plea to how Joy is trying as hard as he can, to the versus where Joy sings about the frustration of leaving things “half done”.

“Georgia” is another highlight, with Joy’s guitar picking and a steady beat really highlighting Joy’s great vocals. The best song though on the album, even over fan favorite “Riptide”, is clearly “Red Eye”. Joy takes you on a journey; it starts off soft in the beginning with only guitar and a light beat. The song then builds to a powerful chorus where we see the beat become bolder and get to see the real power in Joy’s vocals. The song is a story about the hardships that face a long distance love.

Overall,“Dream Your Life Away” is a success for Vance Joy.