But I’ve learned from making kids’ records that it’s all about storytelling and doing things in a way that people can understand what you’re saying. On Her Approach to Children’s Music: I don’t try to have a lot of humor in my grown-up records. For Loeb, kids’ music is is a supplemental offshoot that, not unlike her acting and voiceover work, serves as another way to sustain a career in a very different music business than the one she started in. In January, she won her first Grammy for her latest children’s album, Feel What U Feel. Performers on the festival’s kids’ stage-Austin Kiddie Limits-are always listed last on the lineup, and Loeb’s ACL appearance was indeed for the children. Stay (I Missed You) is one of, if not the most iconic song of the 90’s…WHAT DID LISA DO TO DESERVE THIS! Oh, was she too legendary? Too iconic?” Almost immediately, a fan popped up a Facebook event titled “Give Lisa Loeb The Crowd She Deserves.” The invite read: “Lisa Loeb is a national treasure. Dallas native Lisa Loeb’s name appeared in small print toward the very bottom. Loeb continues to radiate a caring approach to her craft, with A Simple Trick to Happiness the latest evidence.Back in May, when the Austin City Limits music festival announced its 2018 lineup, Paul McCartney and Metallica were at the top of the bill.

The best track here is “Shine,” which reminds the listener that they have everything inside they need to radiate the life they desire. She offers tender tunes about the thorns of life that give way to hope and perseverance. We could write off this as one of many sentimental tracks on “Happiness,” but it likely speaks to Loeb’s view of herself as a songwriter. “For the Birch” delivers more of the same, a track inspired by an old black-and-white photo of a reliable female family figure. The pace is pep-less, but the melody lingers nicely enough. The message gets a little blurred in the hook, which essentially reminds us that we’ll all eventually die, so take each day as it comes.

“Another Day” speaks to plans that go awry, as tomorrow’s plans are never truly promised. There’s a certain sameness to her sound and consistency to her approach that will always have a spot on long-drive playlists.

For all of Loeb’s varied interests, from songwriting to producing to acting, there is continuity to her music, perhaps at the expense of creativity and exploration. The songs on A Simple Trick to Happiness are thick with pluck, offering words of encouragement for the challenges of life and bound by dependable melodies. Lisa Loeb’s15th release-yes, there’s been that much music since her seminal 1994 hit “Stay (I Missed You)”-will fit all the sweet spots for her well-hewn fan base.

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