A Kiss in Time
Patty Griffin · 2003
55 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A tapestry of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave together themes of love, loss, and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Long Ride Home — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective narrative and rich imagery, encapsulating the journey of self-discovery.
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Goodbye — A poignant meditation on parting, this song highlights Griffin's ability to convey deep emotion through minimalistic arrangements and powerful vocal delivery.
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10 Million Miles — With its vivid storytelling and captivating melody, this track exemplifies Griffin's knack for blending personal reflection with universal themes of longing and distance.
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 vocal delivery, with varied instrumentation enhancing its emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and piano, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation, including strings and subtle percussion.
- Many tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, where Griffin's lead vocals are complemented by harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several songs employ a narrative structure, with lyrics that unfold like short stories, creating vivid imagery and emotional resonance.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- intimate storytelling with emotional depth
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- cathartic release through heartfelt vocals
- ideal for quiet evening listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification over nuance
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, A Kiss in Time is Patty Griffin's fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record 1000 Kisses. At this point in her career, Griffin was establishing herself as a prominent figure in the folk rock genre, gaining recognition for her emotive songwriting and distinctive voice.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dar Williams· Neko Case· Brandi Carlile
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Long Ride Home 4:01
- 2 Goodbye 6:17
- 3 Christina 3:32
- 4 Peter Pan 4:38
- 5 Rain 4:41
- 6 Mad Mission 3:13
- 7 Be Careful 4:38
- 8 Tony 6:13
- 9 Mary 6:23
- 10 Fly 3:12
- 11 Nobody's Crying 5:47
- 12 10 Million Miles 3:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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