As the Crow Flies cover

As the Crow Flies

Amos Lee · 2012

24 min · 6 tracks · folk music

A soothing blend of folk melodies and introspective lyrics, enveloping listeners in warmth and reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Darkness — This opener sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and poignant exploration of vulnerability, establishing a reflective mood.
  • →
    Simple Things — This track embodies a heartfelt simplicity that resonates with listeners, highlighting Lee's lyrical prowess and melodic sensibilities.
  • →
    Say Goodbye — An emotional centerpiece, this song captures the complexities of parting with tender imagery and showcases Lee's vocal range beautifully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases solid songwriting and a cohesive flow, though it doesn't significantly stand out in the folk genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a steady mid-tempo pace, while the last three gradually slow down, creating a reflective atmosphere.
  • Each song features a prominent acoustic guitar line that serves as the foundation for Lee's vocal melodies.
  • The lyrics often employ personal storytelling, with each track exploring different emotional themes related to love and loss.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
8/10

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 moments of introspection
  • warm melodies for quiet evenings
  • gentle build to emotional resolution
  • soulful storytelling with depth

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks high-energy tracks
  • prefers standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
As the Crow Flies is Amos Lee's fifth studio album, following his 2011 release Mission Bell. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a respected figure in contemporary folk music, building on the critical success of previous albums and honing his distinctive sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Ray LaMontagne· John Mayer· Iron & Wine

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Darkness 4:40
  • 2 Simple Things 3:21
  • 3 Say Goodbye 2:49
  • 4 May I Remind You 4:39
  • 5 Mama Sail to Me 4:11
  • 6 There I Go Again 5:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata