Let’s Walk

Released in 2024, Let’s Walk represents a significant evolution for Madeleine Peyroux, marking her first collection of entirely original material co-written with longtime collaborator Jon Herington. Moving away from the covers-heavy repertoire that defined her early career, this album leans into a 'rootsier' sound, incorporating elements of gospel, blues, and Americana. Recorded with a live-in-the-room feel, the production emphasizes organic textures and vocal clarity. Lyrically, the album is her most overtly political and socially conscious to date, inspired by the events of 2020 and the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly on tracks like 'How I Wish.' Critics, including those at AllMusic, have noted that while the sonic palette remains sophisticated and 'smoky,' the thematic depth provides a grit that distinguishes it from her more traditional jazz-standard interpretations. It stands as a mid-career milestone of artistic autonomy.