Nation of Two

Atlantic

If ukuleles make their way back onto the pop charts, you can probably thank Vance Joy.

The Australian singersongwriter delivers an exciting sophomore effort with Nation of Two, a 13-track collection in which he proves he isn’t too cool to play a little uke, banjo or even that guitar-ukulele hybrid known as a guitalele.

Joy had a breakout hit with ukulele-led Riptide (2013) and became the opening act for Taylor Swift. This is his time to really shine — and he seizes it.

The sensitive strummer links up with several veteran songwriters — including three tunes with Dave Bassett and three with Dan Wilson — for an album of personal love songs. Joy is all over the CD, writing or co-writing every song.

The clear standout track is the alt-rock anthem We’re Going Home but other beauties include the ukeled ditty Saturday Sun, the slow-burning Alone With Me and the achingly beautiful I’m with You.

If you yearn for music by Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers and even early Ed Sheeran, these are your jams — earthy, folky and honest. Joy’s songs are nicely not overly produced, allowing a charming vocal strain every once in a while.

Joy’s co-writers tend to elevate his songs into something a bit more substantial, whether it’s with a brass section or strings, pushing him to go bigger.