In Our Nature

In Our Nature, the 2007 sophomore effort from Swedish songwriter José González, represents a thematic expansion of his minimalist folk aesthetic. While maintaining the core sonic identity established on Veneer - specifically the use of a nylon-string guitar and hushed, double-tracked vocals - this album introduces subtle textural additions like hand claps and faint synthesizers. Lyrically, González moves away from purely personal introspection toward broader existential and social inquiries, influenced by his interest in evolutionary biology and the works of Richard Dawkins. The album is notable for its rhythmic complexity, often employing African-influenced polyrhythms translated to the acoustic guitar. It features a high-profile cover of Massive Attack's 'Teardrop,' which became a significant hit. The record solidified González's reputation as a master of 'quiet' music that possesses a hidden, driving intensity, culminating in the epic closing track 'Cycling Trivialities.'