Artist: Couldn’t Be Happiers Album: Couple(t)s – Side A Genre: Folk Pop, Folk, Singer Songwriter Release Date: December 13th, 2024
“Couple(t)s Side A” by Couldn’t Be Happiers is an album that feels meticulously crafted, with a clear sense of purpose and structure. The married duo of Jodi Hildebran Lee and Jordan Crosby Lee have created a project that reflects their shared love of folk music, poetic couplets, and storytelling. The album is organized into thematic pairs—love songs, protest songs, and folk-story songs—a concept that mirrors the couplet form in poetry and, metaphorically, their own relationship. It’s an ambitious framework, and the duo executes it with precision, even if the results occasionally feel too polished for their own good.
The songs on Side A are undeniably well-constructed. “Come Back Tomorrow” opens with a New Orleans-inspired second-line groove, while “Devil’s Tramping Ground” leans into Southern folklore with a laid-back, almost whimsical tone. The instrumentation is rich and varied, featuring sousaphone, melodica, and even a musical saw, all layered thoughtfully by producer Doug Davis. The arrangements are lush without overwhelming the core of the duo’s sound—guitar, percussion, and their harmonized vocals, which are warm and inviting throughout.


Lyrically, the album aims to balance personal and universal themes. “Tear It Down” is a protest song that critiques systemic issues, though its message feels somewhat muted, lacking the urgency or edge that might make it truly resonate. Similarly, “Devil’s Tramping Ground” tells a story steeped in regional folklore, but its delivery is so polite that it risks fading into the background. There’s a sense that Couldn’t Be Happiers are playing it safe, prioritizing accessibility over experimentation.
This is where the album falters slightly. While the craftsmanship is undeniable, the songs often lack the rawness or risk-taking that could elevate them from pleasant to memorable. The duo’s commitment to creating relatable, well-polished folk music is admirable, but it sometimes comes at the expense of emotional depth or sonic surprise. For a project rooted in themes of love, protest, and storytelling, there’s room for more daring choices—whether in the lyrics, arrangements, or vocal delivery.


That said, Couple(t)s Side A is a testament to the duo’s chemistry and shared vision. Their ability to weave together diverse influences—bluegrass, industrial, and folk-rock—into a cohesive sound is impressive. The album feels like a labor of love, a product of late-night recording sessions and weekend collaborations. It’s clear that Jodi and Jordan are deeply invested in their craft, and their dedication shines through in the details.
In the context of their career, Couple(t)s Side A represents a solid step forward for Couldn’t Be Happiers. It’s an album that will likely resonate with fans of polished, thoughtful folk-rock, though it leaves room for the duo to push boundaries in the future. With their technical skill and shared passion, they have the potential to create something truly groundbreaking—if they’re willing to take a few more risks. For now, Side A is a well-executed, if cautious, addition to their growing body of work.