What makes Barren County by New Grass Revival notable?

Barren County is notable for its role in expanding the boundaries of bluegrass music, influencing a generation of artists drawn to its fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. The album gained critical acclaim and helped establish New Grass Revival as key players in the Americana movement, paving the way for future collaborations across genres. Released in 1979, Barren County marked New Grass Revival's third studio album and showcased their evolving sound during a time when they were becoming prominent figures in the progressive bluegrass scene. This album followed their breakthrough release, The Band Won't Stop, solidifying their reputation for innovative arrangements and lively performances.

How many songs are on Barren County?

Barren County has 9 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Barren County

New Grass Revival · 1979

39 min · 9 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of bluegrass and country, energizing with intricate harmonies and spirited instrumentation that invites listeners to join the celebration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dancin' With the Angels — This track introduces the album with an upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, encapsulating the joyful spirit that characterizes much of New Grass Revival's work.
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Spring Peepers — With its whimsical lyrics and bright instrumentation, this song highlights the band's ability to weave storytelling into their music, creating an engaging sonic experience.
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Lee Highway Blues — This cover showcases the band's skill at reinterpreting classic tracks while infusing them with their unique style, making it a standout moment on the album.

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

Barren County showcases vibrant instrumentation and harmonies, marking its place in progressive bluegrass while inviting listener engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first four songs.
Several tracks incorporate intricate vocal harmonies that weave in and out of the lead vocals, enhancing the overall texture of the music.

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: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Dancin' With the Angels 4:01
2 In the Plan 3:05
3 How About You 4:03
4 Crazy in the Night 3:35
5 Don't Look Back 4:42
6 Spring Peepers 3:21
7 Souvenir Bottles 5:45
8 Goin' to the Fair 5:11
9 Lee Highway Blues 5:44

What to play next

Listen next

Commonwealth

1981

Go back to

When the Storm Is Over

1977

Full New Grass Revival discography Artists like New Grass Revival

bluegrass music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata