Courtney Barnett’s new album Things Take Time, Take Time is a decent album that is less interesting than her previous works.

On her debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, Barnett had a grand and explosive feeling to her music. With her last album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, and her new album, her sound has become more personal and introspective, leading to less fun music as a whole. 

While none of the songs on the record are bad, many are just all right. 

Songs like “If I Don’t Hear From You Tonight,” “Oh the Night,” and “Splendour” are all medium-paced songs with mellow beats. These songs are indistinguishable from one another, along with many other songs on the record.

Moreover, there are faster songs that are still not easily differentiated. “Sunfair Sundown,”Turning Green,” and “Take It Day by Day” are all songs with a quicker pace and less introspection.

However, there are standouts on the record. 

Tracks like “Rae Street,” “Before You Gotta Go,” and “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To” breathe life into the album. This trio of songs is upbeat and fun, and sticks out among other calm songs.

The track “Rae Street” is sonically very similar to content from her earlier work. The song is grandiose and has a playfully idiosyncratic sound that seems straight off her debut album.

“Before You Gotta Go” is a heartfelt song that she is singing to a loved one. This leads to a fun, relatable song, unlike a lot of her other tracks. “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To” is optimistic, looking to the future, leading to a warm and enjoyable melody.

The record overall is more reflective than her previous albums, with her guitar sounding more akin to folk and less electric. 

Things Take Time, Take Time is a downgrade from Barnett’s previous albums, but still provides her quirky songwriting and excellent guitar sensibilities.