Kevin Bronson on August 21st, 2020

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There’s something sexy abut citrus, right?

L.A. native Jesse Jo Stark returned today with “Tangerine,” the latest in a string of singles the Americana siren has released since her 2018 “Dandelion” EP. Sonically, those have ranged from the old-school rocker “Wish I Was Dead” to the torchy ballad “Lady Bird” to her aching cover of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery.”

But in this latest pick from her long-awaited debut album, Stark weaves her sultry vocals around the sweet pedal steel of Eli Pearl for a dip into string-drenched country. The tune was co-produced by Thomas Hunter and features bassist Billy Mohler and drummer Joey Waronker, among others.

“‘Tangerine’ is about transformation,” Stark says. “Different moods, characters and complex layers. Once you peel back that skin you get the sweetness. Recording ‘Tangerine’ was the last time I was in the studio before the chaos erupted. It’s chilling looking at where we are in the world now and remembering the days when I recorded this song in the studio back in March, surrounded by a dreamy 12-piece string section. ‘Tangerine’ is the child of a culmination of things and I’m so excited the world finally gets to hear it. I hope it brings some peace to those who need it most.”

For the video, Stark connected with fans online. “What I’ve missed most in this new way of livin’ has been the live shows and hanging out with everyone every night,” she says. “So along with the ‘Tangerine’ track release, we thought it would be super sweet to get everyone involved in the video so it’s almost like we’re all having this one big party together, no matter where we are in the world physically, we are together in heart. I’ve been at home watching everyone’s videos in full tears with the biggest smile wrapped around my face.”

In other fruit-related exploits, Stark appeared in YUNGBLUD’s video for “Strawberry Lipstick,” released last month.

||| Stream: “Tangerine”

||| Previously: “Dandelion” EP, “Fire of Love,” “Deadly Doll”