Joy Williams has really become quite the popular indie artist in the last year. With 4 EPs, two digital singles, and a side project called The Civil Wars under her label Sensibility Music, Joy has managed to get her music onto TV and movies such as Grey's Anatomy, 90210, Oscar Meyer commercials, To Save A Life, Walmart ads, etc.

Her newest piece of work is an EP titled We Mapped the World, and is a little bit darker than her previous releases. The title track is a mid-tempo, quirky song that is overall quite intriguing. The hooky chorus is backed by an intricate piano melody, while the verses are joined by haunting background vocals.

"Tightrope" is a beautiful yet somewhat gloomy track that is very reminiscent of "Speaking a Dead Language" from Songs From That. It's a good song, but it doesn't quite build up as nicely as "Speaking..." did. "Woman of a City" is by far the most interesting track on the EP. Its peculiar sound is a nice change, but the song drags on a bit. "Lover, Find Your Cover" is a simple, delicate ending addition to the EP.

Overall, though Joy's vocals are fantastic as always, and the songs are executed nicely, I feel like the EP is lacking something. Much like One of Those Days, it is extremely short. I really want to hear more; even if it's just one of the acoustic versions of "Charmed Life" or "Golden Thread" that have been floating around on the internet. But it's a good EP nonetheless that is enjoyable and relaxing to listen to.

Review date: 4/5/10, written by J.C. for Jesusfreakhideout.com