Released 9 years ago this November
Belle of the West
Samantha Fish · 2017
46 min · 11 tracks · blues
A dynamic blend of blues-infused rock and soulful storytelling, showcasing a modern take on classic Americana.
Top tracks — play these first
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American Dream — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its poignant lyrics reflecting disillusionment, paired with an infectious groove that showcases Fish's guitar prowess.
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Blood in the Water — With its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics, this song delves into themes of betrayal and resilience, highlighting Fish's ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
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Belle of the West — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending traditional blues with contemporary influences while offering a narrative that resonates with personal empowerment and reflection.
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Daughters — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics about familial bonds and expectations, showcasing Fish's storytelling skills alongside her strong vocal delivery.
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Gone for Good — Closing the album on a reflective note, this song combines melancholic lyrics with a rich musical landscape, leaving listeners contemplating the themes explored throughout the record.
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 musicianship, blending blues and rock while exploring diverse themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, 'American Dream', followed by a shift to more varied tempos and styles across the next several songs.
- Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that blend blues techniques with rock elements, particularly in 'Blood in the Water' and 'Cowtown'.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- storytelling that evokes nostalgia
- soulful expressions of longing
- reflective moments for quiet evenings
- varied tempos that invite exploration
- warmth for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Samantha Fish released Belle of the West in November 2017, she was firmly establishing herself as a leading voice in contemporary blues. This album followed her well-received 2015 release, Chills & Fever, and marked a significant evolution in her sound, incorporating elements of country and folk into her signature blues style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Bonamassa· Keb' Mo'· Susan Tedeschi
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 American Dream 3:20
- 2 Blood in the Water 4:01
- 3 Need You More 4:01
- 4 Cowtown 5:08
- 5 Daughters 4:36
- 6 Don’t Say You Love Me 5:27
- 7 Belle of the West 3:32
- 8 Poor Black Mattie 4:54
- 9 No Angels 3:30
- 10 Nearing Home 4:15
- 11 Gone for Good 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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