A Woman a Man Walked By
PJ Harvey · 2009
38 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A raw interplay of haunting melodies and stark instrumentals, capturing a visceral exploration of love and loss.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Hearted Love Start here — This track features a driving rhythm paired with darkly poetic lyrics that encapsulate the album's exploration of complex relationships. Its urgent instrumentation sets the tone for the emotional intensity present throughout the record.
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A Woman a Man Walked By / The Crow Knows Where All the Little Children Go — Serving as the title track, it exemplifies the blend of spoken word and melodic elements, showcasing Harvey's unique storytelling ability. The juxtaposition of these two distinct musical ideas highlights the thematic duality present in the album.
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Sixteen, Fifteen, Fourteen — This song stands out with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics that reflect on memory and nostalgia. Its minimalist arrangement allows Harvey's vocals to shine through, creating an intimate atmosphere.
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 production choices, creating a distinct sound while exploring complex themes.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a distorted guitar riff that sets a gritty tone, while the second track shifts to a more subdued, rhythmic approach.
- Several tracks feature alternating vocal lines between Harvey and Parish, creating a dialogue-like quality in the lyrics.
- The album includes abrupt tempo changes, such as moving from the slow ballad 'April' to the frenetic energy of 'The Soldier'.
- The final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that echoes the themes of uncertainty present throughout.
- 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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8/10
- 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
- steady pacing with gradual build
- haunting storytelling through instrumentation
- evocative emotional exploration
- focused listening in solitude
- introspective moments of reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album features a deliberate departure from her established sound, showcasing boldness.
- Themes
- dark love stories· intimate storytelling
- Moods
- Introspective· Melancholy
- Career context
- Released in early 2009, A Woman a Man Walked By marked PJ Harvey's collaboration with John Parish, following their acclaimed partnership on 1996's Dance Hall at Louse Point. By this point in her career, Harvey had established herself as a formidable artist with multiple Grammy awards and critical acclaim, continuing to evolve her sound and lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anna Calvi· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent
Tracklist
- 1 Black Hearted Love Start here 4:40
- 2 Sixteen, Fifteen, Fourteen 3:35
- 3 Leaving California 3:56
- 4 The Chair 2:29
- 5 April 4:41
- 6 A Woman a Man Walked By / The Crow Knows Where All the Little Children Go 4:47
- 7 The Soldier 3:55
- 8 Pig Will Not 3:50
- 9 Passionless, Pointless 4:19
- 10 Cracks in the Canvas 1:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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