What makes Borderline by Ry Cooder notable?

'Borderline' received critical acclaim upon its release, highlighted by its chart success on the Billboard Top Country Albums. The album's mix of original songs and covers helped solidify Cooder's reputation as a masterful interpreter, influencing countless artists in the Americana and roots rock movements that followed. By 1980, Ry Cooder was already an established figure in the music scene, having gained recognition for his innovative fusion of roots music styles. 'Borderline' marked his return after the successful 'Bop Till You Drop' in 1979, showcasing his ability to seamlessly merge genres while expanding his lyrical focus into more personal narratives.

Who is Borderline for?

Borderline works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, narrative-driven listening experience and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on Borderline?

Borderline has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Borderline

Ry Cooder · 1980

43 min · 10 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of blues and rock, infused with Cooder's signature guitar work and storytelling lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crazy ’bout an Automobile (Every Woman I Know) — This track exemplifies Cooder's knack for storytelling through humor, blending catchy melodies with sharp social commentary on materialism.
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Down in the Boondocks — Cooder's rendition revitalizes this classic with a fresh arrangement, highlighting his ability to breathe new life into traditional songs while maintaining their emotional core.
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The Way We Make a Broken Heart — This song showcases Cooder's poignant vocal delivery and intricate guitar work, making it a standout moment that captures the album's emotional depth.
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Borderline — 'Borderline' embodies the album's themes of longing and uncertainty, featuring an infectious groove complemented by Cooder's expressive instrumentation.

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

The album showcases strong songwriting and vibrant performances, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a cover of '634-5789', setting a lively tone with upbeat rhythms and prominent guitar work.
Cooder's guitar solos often intertwine with the vocal lines, creating a conversational dynamic between instruments and voice.
The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier energy and allowing for reflective moments.

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 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, consistent energy levels
narrative-driven listening experience
mid-tempo reflective moments
engaging storytelling through songs

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1980, Ry Cooder was already an established figure in the music scene, having gained recognition for his innovative fusion of roots music styles. 'Borderline' marked his return after the successful 'Bop Till You Drop' in 1979, showcasing his ability to seamlessly merge genres while expanding his lyrical focus into more personal narratives.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· John Prine· David Lindley