The Sermon on Exposition Boulevard

Released on February 6, 2007, The Sermon on Exposition Boulevard represents a unique, highly collaborative chapter in Rickie Lee Jones's career. The album grew out of improvisational sessions in Los Angeles, where Jones was invited to read and sing over instrumental tracks. This loose, spontaneous origin is palpable across the record's sprawling track listing, which features raw, first-take vocals and organic, jam-like arrangements. Musically, the album incorporates subtle Middle Eastern influences, reflecting the geographic origins of the Christian narratives that inform its lyrics. This thematic focus on spirituality and the life of Jesus gives the album a cohesive, conceptual weight, even as the song structures remain fluid and unpredictable. It stands as one of the most experimental and critically acclaimed releases of her later career, showcasing her enduring talent for narrative songwriting and vocal improvisation.