Anchors cover

Anchors

Will Hoge · 2017

38 min · 11 tracks · country music

A blend of reflective storytelling and rootsy instrumentation that captures the essence of Americana with a modern twist.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Reckoning — This opening track sets the tone for the album, featuring poignant lyrics that tackle themes of accountability and introspection through its driving melody.
  • →
    Little Bit of Rust — As a standout single, this song combines catchy hooks with relatable lyrics about aging and resilience, resonating well with audiences.
  • →
    Anchors — 'Anchors' embodies the album’s central theme, using vivid imagery to explore grounding oneself amidst life’s challenges, making it a lyrical highlight.
  • →
    (This Ain't) An Original Sin — This track showcases Hoge's storytelling prowess, delving into complex emotions surrounding love and regret with raw honesty that connects deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, blending acoustic and electric elements to create a rich soundscape.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 storytelling with warmth
  • ideal for late-night drives
  • melancholic moments of nostalgia
  • intimate acoustic vibes throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2017, Will Hoge had established himself as a respected figure in the Americana and rock scenes, following his breakthrough album 'Small Town Dreams' in 2015. 'Anchors' serves as a continuation of his exploration of personal themes, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and performer while solidifying his place in contemporary country music.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Isbell· Kacey Musgraves· Chris Stapleton

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Reckoning 3:42
  • 2 This Grand Charade 3:43
  • 3 Little Bit of Rust 3:47
  • 4 Cold Night in Santa Fe 3:22
  • 5 Baby's Eyes 2:29
  • 6 (This Ain't) An Original Sin 3:19
  • 7 Through Missing You 3:16
  • 8 Anchors 3:55
  • 9 Angels Wings 4:00
  • 10 17 4:04
  • 11 Young as We Will Ever Be 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata