The Jayhawks always seemed a little underrated to me. Every time one of their records has popped up on my radar, I've been pleased with what I heard within the grooves. And the easy charms of the new one, Sanctuary Park are pretty obvious.
Opener "Keeping Our Heads Above Water" is wildly tuneful, while the excellent "Kingston Girl" sounds a little like classic singles from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The Americana of The Jayhawks was never too oppressive. To me, this band always placed a premium on catchiness, and that was what helped elevate this band above so many more routine roots rockers in the Nineties. And on songs like "Hands Upon the Wheel", we're reminded here in 2026 just how well this group still does this sort of languid Americana. Harmonies? Check. Twang-y guitar? Check. What's not to love here?
This Jayhawks record isn't as Big Star-y as Sound of Lies (1997), the band's peak as far as I'm concerned, but it's really a good listen. There's nothing on Sanctuary Park that isn't catchy and wildly pleasing to the ears. And even the most casual of fans will play this Jayhawks record and remember why this group has been so good, for so long.
Sanctuary Park by The Jayhawks is out today. Details via the official site.
[Photo: Steve Cohen]