What makes All That Reckoning by Cowboy Junkies notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, with particular praise for its lyrical depth and musical cohesion, reaffirming Cowboy Junkies' enduring place in alternative rock. It debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, showcasing their continued relevance in the music scene. Released in 2018, All That Reckoning marks Cowboy Junkies' eleventh studio album, coming after a five-year hiatus following their 2013 album, Renmin Park. At this point in their career, the band sought to navigate personal and societal themes, reflecting on both individual and collective experiences.

Who is All That Reckoning for?

All That Reckoning works well if you're into reflective journey through human connection, steady pacing for introspective moments and haunting melodies for quiet evenings.

How many songs are on All That Reckoning?

All That Reckoning has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

All That Reckoning

Cowboy Junkies · 2018

46 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting lyrics, creating an atmospheric exploration of human relationships and existential reflections.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When We Arrive — This track captures a sense of hope amidst uncertainty, highlighted by its reflective lyrics that delve into themes of arrival and belonging.
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Missing Children — A poignant commentary on loss and memory, this song stands out for its stark imagery and emotional resonance, representing the album's darker undercurrents.
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All That Reckoning (Part 2) — As the closing track, it offers a resolution to the album's thematic journey, blending introspective lyrics with a hauntingly beautiful melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's thoughtful lyrics and atmospheric sound create a compelling experience, though it remains somewhat familiar within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features two distinct parts, with the first half focusing on mid-tempo tracks that build a reflective atmosphere, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that complements the haunting vocal delivery.
Lyrically, the album explores complex themes of human relationships and existential reflections, often employing vivid imagery and metaphor.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective journey through human connection
steady pacing for introspective moments
haunting melodies for quiet evenings
thoughtful listening on rainy days

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party vibes
prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2018, All That Reckoning marks Cowboy Junkies' eleventh studio album, coming after a five-year hiatus following their 2013 album, Renmin Park. At this point in their career, the band sought to navigate personal and societal themes, reflecting on both individual and collective experiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Mazzy Star· Red House Painters· The National