After nearly a decade since her acclaimed album Arms of July, Chicago-based singer-songwriter Chrissy Johnson makes a triumphant return with Shake Where You’re Steady, a transformative 12-track collection set for release on July 18, 2025. With every lyric and note, Johnson invites listeners into an emotional landscape rich with vulnerability, resilience, and raw beauty.
Produced by the esteemed Steve Dawson, Shake Where You’re Steady is more than an album—it’s a deeply personal narrative stitched together by years of reflection, growth, and artistic refinement. Johnson, known for her soul-baring songwriting and warm, powerful voice, once again delivers an album that is both intimate and expansive. From the very first track, it’s clear that she’s created something extraordinary.
The album opens with “Greatest Abandon,” a rousing introduction marked by confident acoustic strums and a soaring, ethereal chorus. The track immediately highlights Johnson’s command over storytelling and her unique ability to fuse strength with tenderness. It’s a musical mission statement: bold, reflective, and utterly captivating.
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Following is “Anything,” a jazzy standout driven by brassy hooks and infectious grooves. It’s an irresistible sonic detour that showcases Johnson’s range and fluidity, weaving seamlessly into “Strange Fire”—a masterclass in genre fusion. On this track, Chrissy blends soul, blues, and indie folk into a brooding, cinematic soundscape where her voice truly shines. Her delivery, both haunting and heartfelt, cuts straight to the core.
Each song on Shake Where You’re Steady feels like a chapter in a larger story—each one soaked in lived experience. Whether it’s the romantic yearning of “Runaway Love,” the hushed intimacy of “Only Now,” or the reflective melancholy of “It Takes Imagination to Survive,” Johnson crafts her melodies with care and purpose. Her lyrics—always emotionally intelligent—trace the contours of trauma, love, and recovery without ever losing sight of the hope that binds them all together.
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Highlights continue with the earthy grit of “Backwater Blues” and the sweeping elegance of “Soldier of Reverie,” where Johnson delivers poetic meditations wrapped in Americana warmth. “Falling” is another emotional peak, combining vulnerable lyricism with a subtle, cascading arrangement that lingers long after it ends. The album closes with “Pretty Little Heart,” a breathtaking finale that radiates grace and quiet power. It’s the perfect bookend to a journey that never once shies away from emotional depth. Drawing inspiration from neo-soul, folk, blues, and jazz, Johnson creates a signature sound that honors her influences—Erykah Badu, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Hornsby—while carving out a voice that’s distinctly her own. Her music is not only an artistic expression but a deeply intentional act of healing and connection.
Shake Where You’re Steady is a reminder of what makes Chrissy Johnson such a vital voice in contemporary music. It’s not just an album—it’s a lifeline for anyone seeking authenticity, honesty, and the courage to face their own truth. With Shake Where You’re Steady, Chrissy Johnson proves that time away hasn’t dulled her artistry—it’s only sharpened her voice and vision. This is an album that deserves to be heard, felt, and cherished.
Check the links below, discover more about Chrissy Johnson and her music, and remember to add her songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.chrissyjohnson.com
Spotify: Chrissy Johnson
Instagram: Chrissy Johnson
Facebook: Chrissy Johnson
Bandcamp: Chrissy Johnson
