NY-via-Texas singer-songwriter Blair Howerton intended her first full-length album as Why Bonnie, 2022’s 90 in November, to be a country album; for its follow-up, she didn’t have a specific genre in mind, but plenty of country twang works its way into the songs on Wish on the Bone, along with tender folk and crunchy indie rock. “Three Big Moons,” with its soaring refrain of “Houston, we have a problem” is an immediate highlight, and one of the most country-leaning songs on the album; elsewhere, artists like Cat Power, Wednesday, and Land of Talk come to mind.
Wish on the Bone is out today, and you can stream it below. To celebrate its release, Blair made us a list of “10 Songs That Make Me Cry (In A Good Way),” and you can read that, and her commentary, below as well.
WHY BONNIE’S 10 SONGS THAT MAKE ME CRY (IN A GOOD WAY)
1. “Rainbows and Ridges” by Blaze Foley
This song makes me feel like I’m embarking on a solo drive right before the sun rises and the windows are covered in dew. Blaze lays out the pains of impermanence in a very matter of fact way which is refreshingly bittersweet. Something about the gruffness of his voice and the rawness of the recording really hits the heart strings.
2. “Feel the Pain” by Dinosaur Jr.
“I feel the pain of everyone, and then I feel nothing”. I mean… it almost hits too close to home. But then the chorus riff comes in and jolts you out of it. A wild ride from start to finish.
3. “The Greater Wings” by Julie Byrne
I don’t know if I’ve heard a song that so perfectly captures the pain and beauty of grief with both its music and lyrics. You can almost feel Byrne’s vocals in your bones. Such a beautiful and timeless song.
4. “There is No There” by The Books
This song might give me main character syndrome, but if that’s true, then I don’t want the cure! When I first heard this in high school, I truly think my brain chemistry was changed forever.
5. “Sister” by Angel Olsen
It starts simple and thoughtful and builds into this cathartic rock ballad. It’s a slow burn but so worth the wait. The line “I want to live life. I want to die right” really sets my heart on fire. Angel is just one of the best to ever do it.
6. “Sparks” by Beach House
The guitar line in this makes me want to take off running. The off kilter synth line in tandem with the guitar and vocals is a perfect recipe to make me cry (in a good way). Honestly, I love the Coldplay song “Sparks” too.
7. “Ladyfingers” by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
Once that first horn comes in with the melody, I feel like I’m floating. It’s one of those songs that makes you feel nostalgic for a time you weren’t alive. The arrangement is so beautiful and I love the ending.
8. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Any song that’s sung from the perspective of someone looking back on their life is bound to make me cry. It reminds me to not sweat the small stuff. What can I say – I’m a sucker for the theatrics of it all.
9. “Another Green World” by Brian Eno
It’s really only a minute long and it somehow has the power to make me see into my past and my future. Sometimes I just listen to it on repeat because it’s not long enough. Damn you, Eno!
10. “Pictures of You” by The Cure
This song has really carried me through some tough moments. It encapsulates a lot of pain and a lot of love, and always seems to come on when I need it most. Honestly, in a pretty eerie but beautiful way.
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Why Bonnie will be on tour through September, and you can see all dates below.
WHY BONNIE: 2024 TOUR DATES
Sep 20, 2024 Deep Cuts Medford, MA
Sep 21, 2024 Cabaret Fouf Montreal, QC
Sep 22, 2024 Monarch Tavern Toronto, ON
Sep 24, 2024 The Hideout Chicago, IL
Sep 25, 2024 Beachland Ballroom & Tavern Cleveland, OH
Sep 26, 2024 Comet Ping Pong Washington, DC
Sep 27, 2024 MilkBoy Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA