Ashore cover

Ashore

June Tabor · 2011

69 min · 13 tracks

Lyrical narratives intertwine with haunting melodies, evoking the deep emotional currents of maritime folklore and personal reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shipbuilding — This track stands out due to its poignant exploration of loss and longing, capturing the essence of Tabor's emotive vocal style and deep connection to the song's narrative.
  • →
    The Great Selkie of Sule Skerry — With its haunting arrangement and mythical storytelling, this song exemplifies Tabor's ability to blend traditional folk elements with personal emotion, resonating deeply with listeners.
  • →
    Finisterre — The opening track sets a reflective tone for the album, showcasing Tabor's lyrical dexterity and rich vocals, establishing a thematic journey through maritime experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Ashore blends traditional and original folk elements with emotional depth, showcasing Tabor's vocal strength.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the narratives.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • haunting narratives of the sea
  • reflective moments for quiet evenings
  • patient storytelling through song
  • evocative melodies for introspection
  • rich emotional landscapes to explore

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat or fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Ashore' was released in 2011, June Tabor had established herself as a prominent figure in folk music, known for her unique interpretations of traditional songs. This album followed her critically acclaimed 2008 release, 'Apple of Your Eye,' and continued to showcase her distinctive voice and storytelling prowess, while further cementing her status within the British folk tradition.
Stylistic neighbors
Nic Jones· Kate Rusby· Sandy Denny

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Finisterre 6:20
  • 2 The Bleacher Lassie of Kelvinhaugh 4:07
  • 3 The Grey Funnel Line 5:27
  • 4 Le vingt‐cinquième du mois d’octobre 5:38
  • 5 Shipbuilding 4:07
  • 6 Jamaica 3:13
  • 7 The Great Selkie of Sule Skerry 7:15
  • 8 Winter Comes In / Vidlin Voe 4:52
  • 9 The Oggie Man 3:42
  • 10 I’ll Go and Enlist for a Sailor 3:08
  • 11 The Brean Lament 5:18
  • 12 Le petit navire 4:15
  • 13 Across the Wide Ocean 11:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata