What makes Arlo by Arlo Guthrie notable?

This album is significant for its critical reception, showcasing Guthrie's ability to combine humor with poignant social critiques. It helped solidify his status in the folk music scene during a transformative era marked by political activism and cultural change. Released in 1970, 'Arlo' was Arlo Guthrie's second album, following the success of his debut, 'Alice's Restaurant.' At this point in his career, Guthrie was establishing himself as a prominent voice in the folk genre, building on the legacy of his father, Woody Guthrie, while carving out his unique path.

Arlo works well if you're into whimsical storytelling with warmth, short bursts of reflective humor and engaging narratives for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Arlo?

Arlo has 7 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Arlo

Arlo Guthrie

33 min · 7 tracks · folk music

A whimsical blend of storytelling and folk melodies, rich with humor and social commentary woven through acoustic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Motorcycle Song — This track exemplifies Guthrie's storytelling prowess, using humor and absurdity to address themes of freedom and rebellion against societal norms.
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Meditation (Wave Upon Wave) — Here, Guthrie blends introspective lyrics with a soothing melody, reflecting on life's complexities and encouraging listeners to consider deeper existential questions.
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Standing at the Threshold — This song stands out for its emotional depth and metaphorical exploration of choices in life, showcasing Guthrie's lyrical maturity and connection to personal experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Guthrie's blend of humor and social commentary in storytelling songs gives this album a unique charm within folk music.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate narrative storytelling, with lyrics that unfold like short tales, often accompanied by simple acoustic guitar arrangements.
The album includes moments of tempo variation, such as the transition from the upbeat 'The Motorcycle Song' to the more reflective 'Meditation (Wave Upon Wave)'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

whimsical storytelling with warmth
short bursts of reflective humor
engaging narratives for sing-alongs
playful melodies with social commentary

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1970, 'Arlo' was Arlo Guthrie's second album, following the success of his debut, 'Alice's Restaurant.' At this point in his career, Guthrie was establishing himself as a prominent voice in the folk genre, building on the legacy of his father, Woody Guthrie, while carving out his unique path.
Stylistic neighbors: Woody Guthrie· Pete Seeger· Bob Dylan

Tracklist

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

1 The Motorcycle Song 7:57
2 Wouldn't You Believe It 3:22
3 Try Me One More Time 2:14
4 John Looked Down 2:22
5 Meditation (Wave Upon Wave) 6:38
6 Standing at the Threshold 8:20
7 The Pause of Mr. Claus 2:12

What to play next

Listen next

Precious Friend

Full Arlo Guthrie discography Artists like Arlo Guthrie

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata