Burning the Daze cover

Burning the Daze

Marc Cohn · 1998

46 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A reflective blend of folk rock and pop, rich with lyrical storytelling and melodic introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Girl of Mysterious Sorrow — This track encapsulates the haunting quality of Cohn's songwriting, blending poignant lyrics with a memorable melody that lingers with the listener.
  • →
    Healing Hands — With its uplifting message and rich instrumentation, this song stands out as a beacon of hope amidst the album's more reflective moments.
  • →
    Turn On Your Radio — This track offers a catchy, upbeat contrast to the more somber themes present elsewhere on the album, showcasing Cohn's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting but lacks the standout production or uniqueness to elevate it further.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks prominently feature piano and acoustic guitar, creating a warm, introspective sound throughout.
  • The lyrics often tell personal stories or reflections, with a focus on imagery and emotional resonance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • lyrical storytelling with introspective depth
  • reflective melodies for quiet moments
  • gentle pacing for relaxed listening
  • emotional resonance in personal narratives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
  • want immediate, catchy satisfaction

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, Burning the Daze is Marc Cohn's third studio album, following his acclaimed debut. At this point in his career, Cohn was navigating the complexities of fame after a successful self-titled debut in 1991, which included the hit 'Walking in Memphis.' This album showcases a matured sound as he continued to explore personal themes and deeper musical arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors
James Taylor· David Wilcox· Glen Phillips

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Already Home 4:43
  • 2 Girl of Mysterious Sorrow 4:17
  • 3 Providence 3:56
  • 4 Healing Hands 4:30
  • 5 Lost You in the Canyon 4:16
  • 6 Saints Preserve Us 4:10
  • 7 Olana 4:22
  • 8 Turn to Me 3:29
  • 9 Valley of the Kings 3:41
  • 10 Turn On Your Radio 4:01
  • 11 Ellis Island 5:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata