Angels Running
Patty Larkin · 1993
44 min · 13 tracks · folk rock
A tapestry of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics woven into the fabric of 90s folk rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Who Holds Your Hand — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics about connection and support. It encapsulates Larkin's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity.
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Might as Well Dance — A lively and uplifting song that contrasts with the more somber tracks on the album. Its infectious rhythm encourages listeners to embrace joy amidst life's challenges.
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Pundits & Poets — This track stands out for its sharp commentary on society, blending wit with poignant observations. It showcases Larkin's skillful lyricism and engagement with contemporary issues.
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Booth of Glass — With its evocative imagery and emotional depth, this song reflects on themes of isolation and clarity, highlighting Larkin’s storytelling prowess.
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 intricate guitar work, though it occasionally lacks a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that dominate the arrangements, often accompanied by sparse instrumentation.
- Larkin's vocal delivery shifts between soft, contemplative tones and more assertive moments, reflecting the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and interludes that disrupt traditional verse-chorus formats.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- short narratives with playful charm
- gentle melodies for afternoon relaxation
- subtle storytelling in each track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer energetic, fast-paced music
- want heavy, layered production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1993, Angels Running is Patty Larkin's fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record, Step Into The Light. By this time, Larkin had established herself as a prominent voice in the folk rock genre, showcasing her unique blend of storytelling and musicality. This album continued to build on her reputation for lyrical depth and innovative guitar techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucy Kaplansky· Dar Williams· Mary Chapin Carpenter
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Who Holds Your Hand 3:09
- 2 Do Not Disturb 4:10
- 3 Good Thing 4:36
- 4 Banish Misfortune / Open Hand 2:00
- 5 Might as Well Dance 3:21
- 6 Ain't That as Good 3:13
- 7 Helen 4:02
- 8 I Told Him That My Dog Wouldn't Run 2:45
- 9 Pundits & Poets 4:25
- 10 Booth of Glass 4:27
- 11 Winter Wind 3:32
- 12 Channeling Marlene 0:26
- 13 Video 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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