Richard BodinThe first time I heard Joseph Arthur, twenty-something years ago, his voice instantly fascinated me: raspy, deep, literally haunting. Beyond the voice, his very personal touch of indie rock music, made him one of those rare artists who instantly feel like home when listening to his early albums. And beyond the music, Arthur is also a visual artist who always mixed his music with his own personal graphic universe as haunting as his music. So when he released his new album You’re Not a Ghost Anymore: FAITH, the first in 7 years, I was eager to discover it.
A Turbulent Chapter
For some context, Joseph Arthur has been through a series of personal trials in recent years—some predating COVID, other emerging after. Like for many, the pandemic marked a difficult chapter. But his public rejection of the COVID vaccine—on the grounds that he felt it was rushed and untrustworthy—sparked controversy. He was quickly labelled an anti-vaxxer, a label he himself rejects, maintaining that his stance was specific to that vaccine rather than a broader opposition. Regardless, the backlash had real consequences for his career, including the shelving of his second collaborative album with Peter Buck. A string of 2022 singles followed—darker, more abrasive material that I personally struggled to connect with.
But in the midst of it all, Joseph Arthur also became a father. That kind of thing usually calls for change if one wants to be up for the task. As he was going through many struggles, Joseph Arthur started a long inner journey to find peace and clarity. Art is always a good way to explore one’s own demons and fight them. This is what Joseph Arthur did. For the past 7 years, he has been busy writing, painting and making some music.
Re-Entry, Not a Comeback
You’re not a Ghost Anymore is the result of this inner journey. Joseph Arthur presents it as re-entry, rather than a come-back. “You’re Not A Ghost Anymore is a three-part body of work written over six years, across collapse, recovery, and return,” he explains. “Faith. Heart. Fight. Not genres, but states of being. These songs trace the long arc from disorientation to embodiment, from losing the thread to picking it back up with both hands. It’s a record about staying when disappearing would be easier. About choosing presence over numbness.”
The first part then, is about Faith. And when you look at the tracklist, it appears pretty obvious. That alone kinda scared the atheist that I am for a bit to be honest. But I remembered I like the guy, and he is not new to me. I know that he always has included his faith and spirituality in his songs. Heck, one of my favourite songs of his, “Redemption’s Son”, is clearly about Jesus himself! So I’d be wrong to let that dissuade me.
The album opens on aerial vocal arrangement for “I Wanna Know You”, before Arthur starts strumming his guitar and progressively the rhythmic kicks in. The version is a definite improvement on the initial single released in 2022. I am happy to re-acquaint myself with this wonderful haunting voice and his melodic harmonies, while he sings about wanting to get to know Christ.
When Faith Gets in the Way
“Hey Satan” follows, with everything I like about Joseph Arthur: the sonic loops, the harmonies, the voice. Unfortunately the overtly biblical lyrics tend to pull me out of it. Many songs like “He Died”, telling about the crucifixion, and the bluesy “In The Shadow Of The Cross” work musically, but not enough to bridge that gap. But the irritating “Demons” and “There But For The Grace Of God” leave me completely unmoved.
I can be more open to it when we leave the religious realm and touch on something that I would deem more spiritual. “Bearing Your Own Cross”, is more about the death and rebirth of the soul, learning to leave the weight of the world behind. The track, with its rolling bass and drums loops, wailing guitars in the background and saturated vocals over melodious harmonies offers an interesting balance between ominous and light. A bit later, “Thank You Is My Mantra” is an interesting song about gratitude as a way of life. Despite its very irritating vocoder filtered voice rapping the lyrics, the song features a more harmonious and melodic chorus with aerial synths waves. I still cannot decide whether I like it or not.
When the Music Transcends the Message
But when Joseph Arthur’s talent really shines, the religious side is not enough to discourage me. “Count It All Joy” would be the perfect example. If there is a song about faith on that record, this would be the one. The song opens with spoken words that very often, happiness feels stronger after coming through hardship. Arthur’s signature smooth and raspy voice soars in wonderful harmonies over synths waves and rumbling drums. It’s just one of the best moment on the album, even the chorus “God is knocking on your front door, (…) are you gonna let Him in” doesn’t break the spell, it is almost elevating it.
Similarly “Holy Spirit” is really drawing on the spirit of his early work. The penultimate track features excellent guitar melodies, driving rhythms and still this nice smooth voice and soaring harmonies are really taking me places. Elsewhere “No Weapons” and “One Life” are wonderful ballads blending folk arpeggio and Arthur’s signature rhythm loops and soaring harmonies.
Waiting for the Next Chapter
In a world where religion so often divides, it’s not always easy—for me—to connect with music rooted so deeply in faith. But Joseph Arthur doesn’t come out as if he is preaching the truth. He comes forward with a message of Love and Forgiveness which is supposed to be at the core of any religion. Even though so many seem to lose track of these values. In a way, Joseph Arthur is bit refreshing.
Even though this album has some real strength, the religious framing spoils it for me. But I understand this is about mental health, and whatever path works best for getting through life. Joseph Arthur appears to have found some peace and to feel better than he has in many years. if this is truly a re-entry, then it’s an intriguing one—and I’m curious to hear where Heart and Fight will take him next.
