Julia Francis

"The Ladybug" is a country-styled song of trying to survive a bad relationship. Francis vocals have a strong integrity and the melody is great. "Cookin' With Gas" is a funky song with a great chorus. Francis really shines here. Her album is just great. - Lunakafe.com

From the specific but evocative “chicken bone and orange rind” in Don’t Forget to the question impossible to answer but necessary to ask, “where’s your chair?,” in You Haul, the songs on Lucky Penny by Julia Francis put you in a unique position to be saved by emotional complexity – and not just have spent pop music by the dollar.
Lucky Penny music makes it possible to keep hearing its lyrics that are on the other side of the looking glass. Melody and rhythm are catchy and expert. It is hard to combine these two attributes. We have the authentic combination on this new Julia Francis album.
The songs mirror our lives yet we see through to something original that Julia Francis’ vision creates beyond reflection within a mesmerizing tune and hypnotic beat.
But the lyrics never give way to the exquisite music and, in a dynamic relationship, work as might a poem to make the Lucky Penny songs worth so much that we are never penniless when it comes to a wealth of understanding about life’s complexities.
It’s a very lucky penny, indeed, and we need to carry it ourselves as a token of fortunate authenticity.
Hearing these songs is just like walking down an unexpected path, finding an unseen penny in the sonic bushes, and carrying it forever for deserved and mysterious poetic good fortune.

- Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum is a lecturer in music history and literature at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Peck School of the Arts, a recording artist on Rounder Records and an artist endorsee for Gibson Guitars.
- Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum

She has an interesting voice. It’s almost conversational. But then on ‘The Unconquered’ it goes all PJ Harvey on me. I have this record in shuffle with others that I am reviewing at the moment and every time this song comes on it stops me whatever I am doing.

I’d say Julia Francis’ sound is mostly Americana/folksy. But it’s more than just girl and guitar. There’s a bunch of other stuff going on. There are some slidy guitars and solid, deliberate rhythms.

The opening track, “Don’t Forget” has deep twang. The best kind!

Her voice also stands out to me on ‘Book From the Year’.

‘The Ladybug’ is also a stand out for me. It’s a nice folksy song with a catchy melody and rhythm.

I like her lyrics and appreciate her humor. She’s not hilarious/comedian-like, but clever enough to make you smile.

She seems very cool when reading her bio. A real California girl. All sun tan and positive disposition.

- Collected Sounds

‘Don’t Forget,’ is a Buddy Holly inspired ditty. It is followed by a downbeat cover of John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma,’ with slide guitars no less. ‘Lucky Penny’ is a country folk tale with looping surf harmonies not dissimilar to Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Game.’ ‘Cooking with gas,’ continues the catchy pop theme while ‘You Haul’ is wah wah funk that could come straight from the Shaft soundtrack. Francis has a lovely voice somewhere between Joni, Carole, Jenny Lewis and Natalie merchant. It also has a touch Cowboy Junkies about it. The album is a variable piece with country at its basis.
- Subba-Cultcha.com

"We like her! She's good!"
This quote included a full page photo on feature page of the performaing arts calendar section. - The North Bay Bohemian

"Vocal delivery is spicy and tasty." - Obsession Collection