Within the depths of his latest album, In Bloom, released May 31, lies a poignant exploration of the human experience, encapsulating themes of resilience, love, loss, and the journey toward self-discovery. Each track serves as a poignant chapter in the narrative of life’s ups and downs, woven together by heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. In short, it’s a classic Jon Foreman album.

The album begins with I Propose A Toast, an expression of gratitude for the journey and acknowledgment of the fears and experiences that have led to this moment. The chorus is a celebration of resilient friendships, love and life and emphasizes the strength found in unity and shared experiences. The song itself is a celebration of life, the ups and downs and the bonds formed when we face challenges together.

Where The Sidewalk Ends expresses the complexity of emotions experienced during a period of transition. It offers a raw, honest reflection of navigating the unknown. 

Jon Foreman’s brother Tim joins him as a writer on the titular track, In Bloom featuring Joy Oladokun. The song speaks again of resilience, hope and the transformative power of embracing change and adversity. “Let the hard times make me wiser / our failures fertilizer on my tomb” they see challenges and failures as opportunities for personal growth, likening them to fertilizer which nourishes future growth. It’s by far the best song on the album.

Overall, In Bloom is the standard Jon Foreman album that we’ve come to expect. Introspective lyrics mixed with an acoustic guitar. It’s an album that will have you reflecting on the human condition with its heartfelt lyrics it is a triumph. It’s a good album, but it’s not a great album. It will leave an impression on you as you listen to it, but it’s all something that he has done before and it’s not being done in quite as poignant as a way. While this is worth the listen, Jon Foreman can do better than this.