Sarah Jarosz's seventh album, Polaroid Lovers, unfolds like a soulful reverie capturing the ephemeral essence of life's defining moments. Hailing from the heart of Texas, Jarosz embarks on a journey through the landscapes of love, weaving a collection of snapshots that transcend time's impermanence.

Polaroid Lovers marks a bold evolution in Jarosz's artistic journey, a deliberate shift reflected in her collaborative spirit. Teaming up with Daniel Tashian, known for his work with Kacey Musgraves, Jarosz embraces a new vitality, breaking free from her creative cocoon. Recorded at the legendary Sound Emporium, the album features a stellar ensemble, including guitarist Rob McNelley (Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood), guitarst/keyboardist Tom Bukovac (Tom Petty, Vince Gill), bassist Jeff Picker (Nickel Creek), and drummer Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams), crafting a folk-rock soundscape that is both visceral and resplendent.

At the core of the album is Jarosz's spirited vocals and performance on the octave mandolin, her musical soulmate. With a rich tapestry of co-writers, including Ruston Kelly, Natalie Hemby, and Sarah Buxton, the album opens with the soaring "Jealous Moon," a powerful ode to the hidden facets of our selves, while the enchanting "When the Lights Go Out" paints a dreamlike picture of Polaroid lovers lost in the deep edges of existence, exploring the essence of identity beyond the spotlight.

"Runaway Train" accelerates the tempo, a soulful love song that captures the joy of newfound love, inspired by the landscapes of California, Colorado, and Texas Hill Country. The poignant "Columbus & 89th" immerses us in the heartache of Jarosz's departure from New York City, a dreamy reflection on nostalgia and melancholy. "Days Can Turn Around" meanwhile gently sways with folk wisdom, offering warmly delivered instructions for living well.

Jarosz's collaboration with Tashian becomes a catalyst for profound introspection. Songs like "Take the High Road" encourage self-discovery, urging listeners to embrace their authenticity. The highly collaborative process behind Polaroid Lovers infuses the album with a palpable sense of joy and emotion, marking it as a pinnacle in Jarosz's career. Breaking free from convention, Jarosz embraces thoughtful chances, reinforcing the idea that art is a perpetual journey, never reaching a finish line. With every note and lyric, she invites us to join her in this wondrous quest for truth, leaving ample space for each listener to discover their own meaning within the captivating melodies of the album.