40 Days
The Wailin' Jennys · 2004
50 min · 13 tracks · folk music
Harmonious vocal interplay and intricate instrumentation intertwine to create an ethereal tapestry of folk and bluegrass sounds.
Top tracks — play these first
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One Voice — This opening track sets the tone with its powerful message of unity and showcases the trio's stunning harmonies right from the start.
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Arlington — A poignant reflection on loss and remembrance, this track highlights the group's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet evocative lyrics.
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Heaven When We're Home — The song's rich imagery and heartfelt delivery embody the album's themes of longing and connection, making it a standout moment in their catalog.
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The Parting Glass — Closing the album, this traditional farewell song encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and closure, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of warmth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and harmonious vocals, though it follows familiar folk structures.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's dynamic.
- Vocal harmonies are layered with intricate instrumentation, often featuring banjo and mandolin, creating a rich texture throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of folk music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- harmonious vocal interplay
- steady pacing for reflection
- balanced journey through themes
- for cozy gatherings
- thoughtful moments of nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 10, 2004, '40 Days' marked The Wailin' Jennys' second studio album, following their acclaimed debut '40 Days' in 2003. At this point, the trio was solidifying its reputation as a prominent force in the contemporary folk scene, showcasing their signature harmonies and songwriting skills.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Civil Wars· Nickel Creek· Dala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 One Voice 3:23
- 2 Saucy Sailor 3:11
- 3 Arlington 4:54
- 4 Beautiful Dawn 3:21
- 5 Untitled 4:27
- 6 This Is Where 5:08
- 7 Old Man 3:11
- 8 Heaven When We're Home 4:24
- 9 Ten Mile Stilts 4:51
- 10 Come All You Sailors 4:03
- 11 Take It Down 3:53
- 12 Something to Hold Onto 3:42
- 13 The Parting Glass 2:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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