What makes About to Choke by Vic Chesnutt notable?

About to Choke is recognized for its raw emotional depth and lyrical vulnerability, contributing to Chesnutt's reputation as a leading figure in alternative country music. The album received positive reviews from notable publications such as The New York Times, solidifying its impact on the genre and influencing a generation of singer-songwriters. Released in 1996, About to Choke was Vic Chesnutt's fourth studio album, coming after his critically acclaimed record, Is the Actor Happy? This period marked a significant moment in Chesnutt's career as he began to cultivate a distinctive voice within the Americana scene, exploring darker themes and more complex arrangements.

How many songs are on About to Choke?

About to Choke has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

About to Choke

Vic Chesnutt · 1996

45 min · 12 tracks · country music

A haunting blend of folk rock and country, woven with introspective lyrics and stark, atmospheric instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Town — This track captures the sense of dislocation and longing that permeates the album, showcasing Chesnutt's ability to blend personal narrative with broader social commentary.
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Swelters — With its vivid imagery and melancholic tone, this song exemplifies Chesnutt's talent for evoking strong emotions through simple yet powerful storytelling.
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Hot Seat — This track stands out for its rhythmic cadence and biting wit, reflecting Chesnutt's unique style that balances humor with poignant observation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's introspective lyrics and unique structures create a compelling yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, often shifting dynamics unexpectedly within the same song.
The lyrics are delivered with a conversational tone, often reflecting personal narratives that invite listener introspection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Myrtle 3:09
2 New Town 4:08
3 Ladle 4:05
4 Tarragon 2:00
5 Swelters 3:50
6 (It's No Secret) Satisfaction 1:01
7 Little Vacation 3:43
8 Degenerate 4:23
9 Hot Seat 3:39
10 Giant Sands 3:40
11 Threads 4:22
12 See You Around 7:19

What to play next

Listen next

The Salesman and Bernadette

1998

Go back to

Is the Actor Happy?

1995

Full Vic Chesnutt discography Artists like Vic Chesnutt

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata