Turn Out the Lights (album)

Julien Baker began writing Turn Out the Lights while on tour for her debut album Sprained Ankle (album).[3] The overall recording period for the album was said to be six days, each lasting twelve hours. As with Sprained Ankle, Baker self-produced Turn Out the Lights.[4] Following the success of her debut, Baker gained positive attention and would begin working with Matador Records who helped release Turn Out the Lights. The album was recorded in the Memphis-based recording studio Ardent Studios.[5] The release of the album coincided with a concert in Manhattan at Town Hall.[4] The album features violinist Camille Faulkner, who Baker met as a student at Middle Tennessee State University.[6] Others who collaborated on the album consist of several confidants from Baker’s youth.[7] Baker was only 22 when the album was released.[5]

Turn Out the Lights covers a broad range of themes from Julien Baker's personal experiences with faith to her sexuality and identity. Similarly to Sprained Ankle, Baker once again touches on mental health and substance abuse. Despite the tone of her music, the album also contains a message of hope.[8]

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
AnyDecentMusic?	8.0/10[9]
Metacritic	83/100[10]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[11]
Alternative Press	[12]
American Songwriter	[13]
The A.V. Club	A[14]
Chicago Tribune	[15]
The Guardian	[16]
Mojo	[17]
Pitchfork	8.6/10[18]
Record Collector	[19]
Uncut	8/10[20]

Turn Out the Lights holds a score of 83 out of 100 on the review aggregator website Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim" from critics.[10]

All tracks are written by Julien Baker.

• Julien Baker – vocals (2–11), guitars (2–5, 8, 10), piano (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11), organ (6, 7)
• Camille Faulkner – strings (1, 2, 7, 9, 11)
• Cameron Boucher – clarinet and saxophone (1, 2)
• Matthew Gilliam – additional vocals (9)
• Calvin Lauber – recording engineer , pre-mix
• Craig Silvey - final mix engineer