Is Big Colors a good place to start with Ryan Adams?

Yes, Big Colors is recommended as a starting point for new Ryan Adams listeners. A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, oscillating between country-inflected rock and contemplative balladry. Released on June 11, 2021, Big Colors marks Ryan Adams' first album since the accusations of misconduct in 2019 that led to a significant career hiatus. This album represents a return to form, showcasing his signature songwriting style while navigating personal and public scrutiny.

Who is Big Colors for?

Big Colors works well if you're into steady flow with emotional peaks, colorful melodic explorations and short tracks for quick engagement.

How many songs are on Big Colors?

Big Colors has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Big Colors

Ryan Adams · 2021

39 min · 12 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, oscillating between country-inflected rock and contemplative balladry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big Colors Start here — The title track opens the album with an infectious melody and vivid imagery that encapsulates the themes of longing and identity woven throughout the record.
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Do Not Disturb — This track features a catchy chorus and playful instrumentation, offering a moment of levity amidst the introspective tone of the album.
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Fuck the Rain — With its raw emotion and candid lyrics, this song captures Adams' battle against external pressures, making it a standout representation of his lyrical vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases varied songwriting and emotional depth but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more aggressive tone with its instrumentation.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The album includes shifts in dynamics, with quieter ballads juxtaposed against more upbeat tracks, creating a varied emotional landscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

steady flow with emotional peaks
colorful melodic explorations
short tracks for quick engagement
for reflective afternoons
cathartic expressions of vulnerability

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer lengthy, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a hiatus, showcasing continued creativity and resilience.
Themes: emotional landscapes· personal resilience· colorful imagery
Career context: Released on June 11, 2021, Big Colors marks Ryan Adams' first album since the accusations of misconduct in 2019 that led to a significant career hiatus. This album represents a return to form, showcasing his signature songwriting style while navigating personal and public scrutiny.
Stylistic neighbors: Jason Isbell· Jeff Tweedy· Sturgill Simpson