2. October 2025
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Media Review

Josh Ritter – I Believe in You, My Honeydew

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Josh Ritter - I Believe in You, My Honeydew

Josh Ritter - I Believe in You, My Honeydew
4.3

Rating

 4.3/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Nice storytelling
  • Good arrangements

Flyctory.com Cons

  • Some songs are similar

On 12th September 2025, Josh Ritter already released his thirteenth album. I had the opportunity to prepare my review of I Believe In You, My Honeydew before that. Here are my thoughts about the record.

 

Josh Ritter – About The Artist

Josh Ritter is a US-American Americana artist, who was born on 21st October 1976 in Moscow, Idaho. At the age of 21, he turned into a professional musician, releasing his self-titled debut record. Ritter is typically performing together with his band, which is called The Royal City Band. Overall, he has released twelve albums so far. The most recent one has been Heaven, Or Someplace as Nice in 2024. Two of his album releases topped the US Folk Charts.

 

Josh Ritter – I Believe in You, My Honeydew – Track by Track

The ten track album lasts 40 minutes.

1. You Won’t Dig My Grave

The album begins with You Won’t Dig My Grave, which has already been one of the feature singles. The song starts in the style of a folk rock song with a slight indie touch. The key catching element is the backing choir in the chorus, which is adding a really special gospel-alike touch. Apart from that, the rhythm feels to catch you easily in this enjoyable start of the album.

2. Honeydew (No Light)

Not only because it contains the name of the record in the lyrics, this one is in fact the title track of the album. The song has a nice groove and could be part of a James Bond movie soundtrack. I later parts, Josh Ritter’s band is going for a rather virtuous bridge, which is having a too bit too much distortion in my point of view. Nonetheless, the laid back narrative style of Honeydew (No Light) definitely leads to a lovely listen.

3. Truth is a Dimension (Both Invisible and Blinding)

If you are looking for a straight country-folk song with a nice singer-songwriter style, this song is your choice. Truth is a Dimension (Both Invisible and Blinding) thereby feels very direct and personal. The focus is clearly on Richter and his guitar. Good music does not need to be complex typically.

4. Noah’s Children

Four of the first five songs, including Noah’s Children, have been released before the album already. The song feels like classic Americana rock tracks like the ones in the Tom Petty era. However, the songs has some nice twists and also comes with really nice guitar plays. I would name it being my favorite of the already released tracks.

5. Wild Ways

I hear a higher calling is the catch phrase of this song. Thus, the hymnic Wild Ways stays in your mind, even though the melody and the instrumental use of the song does not offer that many major surprises.

6. Thunderbird

The second half of I Believe in You, My Honeydew does not feature a single already released song. Thunderbird starts cheeky and playful, maybe not that mature. The initially slightly naive style, however, quickly turns a serious and well-narrated story. Thumbs up.

7. Kudzu Vines

Kudzu vines kudzu vines
Gotta tell y’all I don’t mind dyin’
Been alive for a long enough time
What makes me sad what makes Me sigh
There ain’t no outliving these kudzu vines

The seventh song does remind of blues rock songs. In the middle part, however, it rather heads towards an individual, alternative style. Therefor, the ending feels very hymnic. Overall, it is simply fun listening to the Kudzu Vines. 

8. I’m Listening

With ‘m Listening, Josh Ritter presents another very typical singer-songwriter song. This one, however, is a bit more playful in the main melody as well as in the backing elements.

9. The Wreckage of One Vision of You

Sam Kassner on the organ is the key musician of this track. His instrument, paired with the lovely vocal performance of Ritter, are the engines of this song. However, in some moments, the groovy song is reducing its energy and even coming to a full song. Blues, rock, lovely storytelling – The Wreckage of One Vision of You has something in stock for any listener.

10. The Throne

Though at night you are deviled
By the angels you’re wrestlin
No strength left to grieve
Let alone give confession
Here’s all I know
What I come here to share
I have been to the throne
And there was nobody there
If you’re laid low
There is a throne for you
Even though you sold your soul
There is a throne for you

I Believe In You, My Honeydew closes with this gentle finale. Here and there, the song increases its intensity and feels a bit more rocking. Again, Ritter fascinates with lovely storytelling. I really like it.

 

Josh Ritter – I Believe in You, My Honeydew – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

 

Josh Ritter – I Believe in You, My Honeydew – My View

I really like Josh Ritter’s 2025 album. He is a lovely storyteller and finds the right instrumental elements to emphasize the messages of the album. Some of the songs could have a stronger character, though.

Favorite Song: Thunderbird

 

US Music Reviews 2025

Here are all my Media Reviews published in 2025 related to the USA:

 

Musical History

These are all articles, in which I dealt with events and places influencing musical history:

 

 

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