“Who is Japanese Breakfast?” you might be wondering. In all honesty, I still do not know who she is. Before Jubilee, I had never heard of her or her music, and I’m glad that I did not discover her sooner.

Japanese Breakfast, also known as Michelle Zauner, used to create sorrowful, somber records. Her first two releases followed her journey grieving her mother’s death and questioning the true meaning of life. Jubilee tells a different story.

As the title of the album suggests, Zauner is filled with joy for the first time artistically. Taking inspiration from decades before, she explores what this new feeling has to offer - and she loves it. This new feeling makes the world seem fresh. This new feeling makes the world seem fun again.

Zauner starts the album by discussing her emotional transition - “Lucidity came slowly / I awake from dreams of untying a great knot” - on “Paprika.” After that declaration, the fun begins. The second track, “Be Sweet,” is yearning for trust and truth. More than just a fling, Zauner wants something to believe in. Beyond the person she is singing to, she wants to believe in the world for once.

“Kokomo, IN” further professes love, but now Zauner is alone. She comes to terms with herself and now finds herself content. The album continues this push and pull of being obsessive then distant, which can leave a bad taste in the listener’s mouth. Yet, Jubilee is addictive because she sounds so free. This push and pull is behind her and now she can have a good time; she can even have a laugh about it.

Zauner is trying to be blunt and honest to the world. On “In Hell,” she declares that hell is truly a place without her former flame. No wishing or pleading can save the relationship and, eventually, death will be the nail in the coffin - “With my luck you’ll be dead within the next year.”

Jubilee at first glance leads you to think, “Maybe this girl is happy now.” But Japanese Breakfast’s fun is only a persona. Jubilee, without lyrics, is fun, and maybe that is how the world is now too.