Back Roads and Abandoned Motels
The Jayhawks · 2018
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative country
Mellow melodies intertwine with reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of longing and nostalgia in a lush alt-country soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Come Cryin’ to Me — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its heartfelt storytelling and lush instrumentation, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
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Gonna Be a Darkness — A standout moment on the album, this track balances melancholy with rich harmonies, showcasing Gary Louris' poignant songwriting skills.
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Bird Never Flies — With its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, this track delves into themes of loss and resilience, embodying the emotional core of the album.
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 craftsmanship, with a cohesive sound that rewards repeat listens.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, with most tracks employing gentle instrumentation that supports the reflective lyrics.
- Several songs incorporate layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the melodies.
- The last three tracks gradually shift to a more subdued tone, creating a sense of closure as the album progresses.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- reflective melodies for introspection
- nostalgic themes of longing
- mellow pacing for relaxed evenings
- storytelling that invites contemplation
- emotional connection through lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Back Roads and Abandoned Motels is The Jayhawks' first album since their 2016 release, Paging Mr. Proust. This record marks a return to form for the band as they revisit and reinterpret songs from Gary Louris' past collaborations and projects, showcasing their enduring presence in the alternative country scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Uncle Tupelo· Wilco· Son Volt
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Need You Tonight
The bridge shifts perspective by revealing an unguarded plea for connection at a crucial emotional juncture.
This moment's vulnerability contrasts with earlier verses that maintain a more detached tone, deepening the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Come Cryin’ to Me 3:41
- 2 Everybody Knows 4:10
- 3 Gonna Be a Darkness 4:59
- 4 Bitter End 4:17
- 5 Backwards Women 3:37
- 6 Long Time Ago 3:58
- 7 Need You Tonight 3:17
- 8 El Dorado 4:07
- 9 Bird Never Flies 3:55
- 10 Carry You to Safety 5:25
- 11 Leaving Detroit 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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