What makes Big Time by Angel Olsen notable?

Big Time received widespread acclaim from critics and debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Olsen's highest-charting album to date. The album has been highlighted for its emotional depth and sonic evolution, influencing a wave of contemporary artists within the indie and folk scenes. Released in June 2022, Big Time is Angel Olsen's fifth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record All Mirrors from 2019. At this point in her career, Olsen was transitioning into a more expansive sound, blending her folk roots with a broader pop sensibility while exploring themes of love and loss shaped by personal experiences.

Big Time works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, heartfelt storytelling with emotional depth and for nostalgic afternoon drives.

How many songs are on Big Time?

Big Time has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Big Time

Angel Olsen · 2022

46 min · 10 tracks · pop rock

A lush blend of pop and folk, rich with introspective lyrics and expansive melodies that evoke both longing and hope.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
All the Good Times — This track opens the album with a nostalgic reflection on relationships, setting the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
→
Big Time — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of acceptance and celebration amidst personal change, featuring an infectious chorus.
→
Ghost On — With haunting instrumentation, this song explores themes of absence and longing, showcasing Olsen's vocal prowess and lyrical depth.
→
Through the Fires — This track highlights resilience in the face of struggle, combining powerful vocals with lush production for a cathartic listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production choices, creating an engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a lush soundscape before the tempo shifts in track four.
Several songs incorporate rich vocal harmonies that intertwine with the instrumentation, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo and dynamics, allowing for a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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 pacing for reflective moments
heartfelt storytelling with emotional depth
for nostalgic afternoon drives
mid-tempo flow encourages engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in June 2022, Big Time is Angel Olsen's fifth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record All Mirrors from 2019. At this point in her career, Olsen was transitioning into a more expansive sound, blending her folk roots with a broader pop sensibility while exploring themes of love and loss shaped by personal experiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Sharon Van Etten· Julien Baker· Phoebe Bridgers