Carney
Leon Russell · 1972
37 min · 12 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of rock, blues, and gospel that showcases Russell's eclectic songwriting and piano-driven arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Tight Rope Start here — This track stands out with its infectious melody and introspective lyrics about balancing life's challenges, showcasing Russell's knack for merging pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
-
→
This Masquerade — With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about emotional facades, this song highlights Russell's skillful songwriting and is often regarded as one of his finest compositions.
-
→
Out in the Woods — The track combines a rhythmic groove with vivid storytelling, illustrating Russell's ability to create a sense of place and atmosphere that resonates throughout the album.
-
→
Cajun Love Song — This whimsical tune incorporates playful imagery and a catchy chorus, reflecting Russell's adaptability and flair for blending cultural influences within his music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album displays strong songwriting and varied arrangements but lacks tight cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The tempo varies significantly across the record, with tracks like 'Tight Rope' maintaining an upbeat feel while others slow down to a more reflective pace.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- short, engaging listening sessions
- lyrical storytelling immersion
- varied emotional landscapes
- contemplative late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Russell's reputation with the hit 'Tight Rope'.
- Career context
- Upon releasing 'Carney' in 1972, Leon Russell was already an established figure in the music scene, having achieved fame with his self-titled debut in 1970 and the acclaimed 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen' tour. This album came during a creative peak for Russell, following a period of intense collaboration and experimentation, positioning him as a versatile artist blending various genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Cocker· Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan
Tracklist
- 1 Tight Rope Start here 3:01
- 2 Out in the Woods 3:37
- 3 Me and Baby Jane 3:52
- 4 Manhattan Island Serenade 3:25
- 5 Cajun Love Song 3:09
- 6 Roller Derby 2:25
- 7 Carney 0:47
- 8 Acid Annapolis 2:47
- 9 If the Shoe Fits 2:22
- 10 My Cricket 2:55
- 11 This Masquerade 4:25
- 12 Magic Mirror 4:56
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.