Released 59 years ago this November
By the Time I Get to Phoenix
Glen Campbell · 1967
26 min · 11 tracks · country music
A rich blend of heartfelt country melodies and poignant storytelling that resonates with universal themes of love and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
By the Time I Get to Phoenix — This titular track showcases Campbell's smooth vocal delivery paired with a poignant narrative about heartache and longing, setting the emotional tone for the album.
-
→
Homeward Bound — A cover of Simon & Garfunkel's classic, this track highlights Campbell's ability to reinterpret folk elements within a country framework, adding depth to his musical versatility.
-
→
Hey Little One — This song features an infectious melody and tender lyrics that convey warmth and nostalgia, demonstrating Campbell's knack for connecting with listeners on an emotional level.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive flow that highlights Campbell's vocal strengths.
What we noticed
- The title track opens the album with a slow tempo and builds emotional intensity, while subsequent tracks alternate between mid-tempo and slower ballads.
- Several songs feature prominent string arrangements that enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- short, reflective listening sessions
- heartfelt storytelling experiences
- melodic and emotive narratives
- concise song structures
- gentle, soothing background music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established Glen Campbell as a prominent solo artist with critical acclaim.
- Career context
- By the Time I Get to Phoenix marked Glen Campbell's transition from a successful session musician to a prominent solo artist. Released in November 1967, this album followed his hit single 'Gentle on My Mind,' solidifying his place in the country music scene as both a performer and a songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jimmy Webb· John Denver· The Mamas & the Papas
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 By the Time I Get to Phoenix 2:44
- 2 Homeward Bound 2:39
- 3 Tomorrow Never Comes 2:29
- 4 Cold December (In Your Heart) 2:29
- 5 My Baby's Gone 2:52
- 6 Back in the Race 1:58
- 7 Hey Little One 2:32
- 8 Bad Seed 2:20
- 9 I'll Be Lucky Someday 2:26
- 10 You're Young and You'll Forget 2:17
- 11 Love Is a Lonesome River 2:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.