Calling Me Home
Kathy Mattea · 2012
44 min · 12 tracks · country music
A heartfelt blend of folk and country, weaving personal narratives with rich Appalachian themes and poignant storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gone, Gonna Rise Again — This track powerfully encapsulates themes of resilience amidst loss, using vivid imagery that reflects the spirit of those affected by the coal industry.
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West Virginia Mine Disaster — This song serves as a haunting tribute to miners lost in tragedy, marrying historical narrative with emotional weight to create a compelling listening experience.
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Hello, My Name Is Coal — Through a personified narrative, this track highlights the complexities of coal's impact on communities, blending personal storytelling with broader social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal narratives with rich Appalachian themes, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar, banjo, and fiddle prominent throughout.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing for storytelling to unfold in a familiar format.
- Several songs incorporate field recordings or ambient sounds that evoke the Appalachian landscape, enhancing the thematic depth.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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 reflective listening experience
- evocative narratives of resilience
- haunting melodies for quiet moments
- journey through loss and hope
Maybe skip if you
- seeks high-energy tracks
- prefers upbeat party music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon its release in 2012, 'Calling Me Home' marked Kathy Mattea's return to music after a seven-year hiatus, showcasing her deep connection to Appalachian culture. This album came during a phase of artistic reinvention as Mattea sought to reconnect with her roots and the stories of coal mining communities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mary Chapin Carpenter· Emmylou Harris· Nanci Griffith
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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West Virginia Mine Disaster
The narrative shifts from recounting historical events to personal reflections on grief and memory.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Far Cry 4:07
- 2 Gone, Gonna Rise Again 3:20
- 3 The Wood Thrush’s Song 3:47
- 4 West Virginia Mine Disaster 4:29
- 5 The Maple’s Lament 3:52
- 6 Hello, My Name Is Coal 3:00
- 7 Calling Me Home 2:30
- 8 Black Waters 4:56
- 9 West Virginia, My Home 4:26
- 10 Agate Hill 3:47
- 11 Now Is the Cool of the Day 3:25
- 12 Requiem for a Mountain 2:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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