4th Street Feeling cover

4th Street Feeling

Melissa Etheridge · 2012

45 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A blend of heartfelt lyrics with rootsy instrumentation, weaving personal narratives through a lens of folk rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    4th Street Feeling — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending nostalgia and reflection while showcasing Etheridge's emotive vocal delivery. Its lyrical exploration of connection resonates deeply within the context of urban life.
  • →
    Falling Up — This track exemplifies Etheridge's ability to convey vulnerability through powerful storytelling, addressing themes of hope and perseverance amidst adversity. Its uplifting melody complements the poignant lyrics beautifully.
  • →
    Kansas City Start here — Opening with a lively rhythm, this song captures a sense of place and belonging, drawing listeners into Etheridge's personal experiences. Its energetic vibe contrasts with deeper themes explored throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal narratives with rootsy instrumentation, creating an introspective folk rock experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
  • Etheridge's vocal delivery varies from soft and intimate to powerful and soaring, particularly in tracks like 'Shout Now' and 'Rock and Roll Me'.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with acoustic guitar and piano prominently featured, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • warmth in life's complexities
  • introspective storytelling with heart
  • for afternoon relaxation
  • compelling sing-along choruses

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after Etheridge's health challenges and resonates with themes of resilience.
Career context
By the time '4th Street Feeling' was released in 2012, Melissa Etheridge was navigating a new chapter following her battle with cancer. This album marked her return to recording after a brief hiatus, showcasing a more introspective and mature sound that reflects her personal journey.
Stylistic neighbors
Sheryl Crow· Janis Joplin· Pat Benatar

Tracklist

  • 1 Kansas City Start here 3:20
  • 2 4th Street Feeling 3:33
  • 3 Falling Up 3:37
  • 4 Shout Now 3:17
  • 5 The Shadow of a Black Crow 3:18
  • 6 Be Real 3:52
  • 7 A Disaster 4:07
  • 8 Sympathy 3:52
  • 9 Enough Rain 2:49
  • 10 A Sacred Heart 4:23
  • 11 I Can Wait 3:30
  • 12 Rock and Roll Me 5:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata