Jenny Lewis hits the spot

Jenny Lewis incorporates gospel spirit and pain with her debut single, Rabbit Fur Coat.

By John Hendel

Published Feb. 3, 2006

Former child star Jenny Lewis is no stranger to the spotlight. But some might not realize that little, redheaded Hannah Nefler of "Troop Beverly Hills" also is a guest vocalist for The Postal Service and lead singer for the band, Rilo Kiley.

On Lewis' solo debut, Rabbit Fur Coat, she reveals an intimate, distinct portrait of her personal struggles and thoughts.

Rabbit Fur Coat features high-powered, emotional soul music, replete with harmonic back-up vocals from The Watson Twins, who are Kentucky natives. The musically stripped-down album accentuates Lewis' delicate voice and gives it a folk vibe.

The vibrant new take on the music brings an accompanying mix of fresh topics. Gospel harmonies call for religious references aplenty and Lewis delivers. The album contains repeated references to her battles with faith.

"I was born secular and inconsolable," she sings in "Born Secular" and a later lyric laments, "God goes where He wants/and who knows where He is not/not in me."

Such disillusionment carries much of the album's weight. Rabbit Fur Coat demonstrates how a woman reconciles her own life and beliefs. In "Happy," she sings, "Mama never warned me about my own destructive appetite." Similarly in "It Wasn't Me," Lewis expresses "I was stone drunk/it wasn't clear/and it doesn't count because I don't care."

Lewis' fantastic lyrics are the album's greatest strength. She offers a mature, literate voice to the music world. Track after track pours out a meaningful exploration of Lewis' life. Only two tracks — "Run Devil Run" and "Happy (Reprise)" — show off vocal talent and don't offer standout lyrics.

Lewis opens up her heart for listeners. The album's title track reveals her coming to grips with her mother's poor background, and similar themes resonate in other songs. She's not afraid to confess her perceived shortcomings. She calls herself a hypocrite, a sellout and says that she's "in love with illusions."

Lewis also sings about how she deals with love and her world. She cries for peace in "Big Guns" and embraces the idea of real change in "Rise Up With Fists!"

Lewis' cover of a song by The Traveling Wilburys, "Handle With Care," stands apart. For this song, she enlists the help of some of her indie-rock friends: Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. The classic cover maintains the folksy charm of the album but also adds a dose of energy. It's slightly out of place, but the bizarre combination somehow succeeds.

As an album, Rabbit Fur Coat is a success. Jenny Lewis possesses an emotive voice that is full of range. Its delicacy easily creates an intimate connection with listeners, genuine and seductive. Fortunately, the singer also has been blessed with an astutely observant mind.

The result is a beautifully cohesive album about doubt, desire and determination. With Rabbit Fur Coat, Jenny Lewis proves she can not only stand alone, but also bare herself with grace.