Released 10 years ago
Away
Okkervil River · 2016
57 min · 9 tracks · alternative country
A contemplative and expansive journey through alternative country, blending lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Okkervil River R.I.P. — This opening track sets an evocative tone, melding nostalgia with reflection as it introduces the overarching themes of memory and loss that permeate the album.
-
→
Call Yourself Renee — A standout exploration of identity and self-perception, this track combines rich storytelling with haunting melodies, embodying the emotional core of the record.
-
→
Days Spent Floating (In the Half Between) — Closing the album on a reflective note, this track encapsulates the overarching themes of transition and searching for meaning within uncertainty, tying together the album's narrative threads.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's lush arrangements and introspective lyrics create a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually build in intensity.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and horns, which create a rich soundscape that complements the introspective lyrics.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that fades out, leaving a lingering sense of contemplation.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- haunting melodies for deep thought
- introspective moments of solitude
- patient unfolding of emotional themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seeking instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Okkervil River's continued artistic vitality after a transitional phase.
- Career context
- When 'Away' was released in 2016, Okkervil River was navigating a transitional phase after their previous album, 'The Silver Gymnasium' (2013). This album marked a significant return to form for frontman Will Sheff, who sought to explore deeper emotional landscapes following personal upheavals and lineup changes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Decemberists· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Okkervil River R.I.P. 6:41
- 2 Call Yourself Renee 7:07
- 3 The Industry 4:31
- 4 Comes Indiana Through the Smoke 4:45
- 5 Judey on a Street 7:16
- 6 She Would Look for Me 7:03
- 7 Mary on a Wave 5:11
- 8 Frontman in Heaven 7:44
- 9 Days Spent Floating (In the Half Between) 6:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.