10 Songs for the New Depression
Loudon Wainwright III · 2010
30 min · 10 tracks · blues
A sardonic blend of folk and blues, steeped in sharp wit and poignant commentary on contemporary anxieties.
Top tracks — play these first
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Times Is Hard Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its direct acknowledgment of economic hardship, blending humor with a somber reality that resonates throughout the album.
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The Krugman Blues — This song uniquely intertwines economic theory with personal narrative, showcasing Wainwright's ability to make complex topics accessible through relatable storytelling.
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Cash for Clunkers — Using a government program as a metaphor, this track captures the absurdity of economic measures while maintaining Wainwright's characteristic wit and insight.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Wainwright's sharp wit and thematic consistency create an engaging exploration of contemporary anxieties.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a sardonic tone, followed by a series of songs that maintain a consistent lyrical focus on economic and personal struggles.
- Several tracks feature a call-and-response structure between Wainwright's vocals and instrumental sections, enhancing the conversational quality of the lyrics.
- The final track features a lighter, more whimsical tone with ukulele accompaniment, providing a contrast to the heavier themes explored in earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sardonic wit with sharp storytelling
- quick bursts of pointed commentary
- reflective moments on economic despair
- engaging narratives for thoughtful listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer longer immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Reflects timely themes and sharp commentary, showcasing Wainwright's lyrical prowess.
- Themes
- economic hardship· government absurdity· contemporary anxieties
- Career context
- By the time Loudon Wainwright III released '10 Songs for the New Depression' in 2010, he was already an established figure in folk music, known for his incisive lyrics and storytelling. This album followed his previous work, 'High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project,' and showcases Wainwright's continued evolution as a songwriter responding to modern societal challenges.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Steve Goodman· Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tracklist
- 1 Times Is Hard Start here 2:56
- 2 House 4:19
- 3 On to Victory, Mr Roosevelt 2:35
- 4 Fear Itself 2:34
- 5 The Panic Is On 2:56
- 6 The Krugman Blues 3:11
- 7 Halloween 2009 2:40
- 8 Middle of the Night 3:09
- 9 Cash for Clunkers 3:02
- 10 Got a Ukulele 2:39
What to play next
40 Odd Years
2011
Continues the blend of sharp wit and commentary with a fresh perspective.
Recovery
2008
Sets the tone with similar themes of introspection and societal reflection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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