Alive on Arrival
Steve Forbert · 1978
37 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A blend of storytelling and introspective lyrics set against a backdrop of melodic folk instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Goin' Down to Laurel Start here — This track serves as the album's standout hit, capturing Forbert's signature blend of storytelling and catchy melodies. Its autobiographical nature reflects his personal journey and resonates with the themes of exploration and self-discovery prevalent throughout the album.
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Steve Forbert's Midsummer Night's Toast — This song highlights Forbert's whimsical lyricism and showcases his ability to merge light-heartedness with deeper reflections on life. The playful imagery invites listeners into his imaginative world while still conveying poignant truths.
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Tonight I Feel So Far Away From Home — In this track, Forbert articulates feelings of isolation and longing through evocative lyrics that resonate with anyone who has felt disconnected. The emotional depth here exemplifies his strengths as a songwriter.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and instrumentation but lacks the depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- Forbert's vocal delivery is conversational and often includes spoken-word elements, particularly in the storytelling tracks.
- Several tracks feature prominent acoustic guitar riffs and harmonica solos, which are characteristic of traditional folk music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
- youthful introspection and charm
- short stories with melodic appeal
- lighthearted reflections on life
- easygoing tunes for casual listening
- nostalgic vibes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, fast tracks
- want complex, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that introduced Forbert to the singer-songwriter scene and garnered acclaim.
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Alive on Arrival was Steve Forbert's debut album, introducing him to the singer-songwriter scene of the late '70s. At this point, Forbert was establishing his foothold in the music industry following performances in New York City, where he honed his craft and began to attract attention.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· James Taylor· Paul Simon
Tracklist
- 1 Goin' Down to Laurel Start here 5:09
- 2 Steve Forbert's Midsummer Night's Toast 2:50
- 3 Thinkin' 3:28
- 4 What Kinda Guy? 2:35
- 5 It Isn't Gonna Be That Way 4:58
- 6 Big City Cat 3:04
- 7 Grand Central Station, March 18, 1977 4:16
- 8 Tonight I Feel So Far Away From Home 3:14
- 9 Settle Down 3:47
- 10 You Cannot Win If You Do Not Play 4:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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