City of Gold
Molly Tuttle · 2023
47 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of folk-infused melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke the spirit of American landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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El Dorado — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its rich imagery and intricate guitar work, establishing the album's thematic focus on exploration and discovery.
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Where Did All the Wild Things Go? — This song poignantly addresses themes of loss and nostalgia, balancing Tuttle's lyrical vulnerability with an engaging melody that resonates deeply.
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Goodbye Mary — With its heartfelt storytelling and emotional delivery, this track exemplifies Tuttle's ability to weave personal narratives into universal experiences.
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 skilled musicianship, with a cohesive flow that engages listeners.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually shift to more reflective themes.
- Several tracks feature intricate guitar work that showcases Tuttle's technical skill, particularly in the fingerpicking style characteristic of bluegrass.
- 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 pacing for reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- vibrant melodies for uplifting walks
- narrative arc that invites immersion
- for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone singles over journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- City of Gold is Molly Tuttle's first full-length album since winning the International Bluegrass Music Association's Guitar Player of the Year award in 2021. Following her acclaimed debut, When You’re Ready, this release solidifies her status as a leading figure in contemporary folk and bluegrass music, showcasing her evolution as both a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chris Thile· Sara Watkins· Billy Strings
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Where Did All the Wild Things Go?
The bridge shifts from reminiscing about joyous childhood memories to confronting the stark realities of adulthood.
The juxtaposition starkly enhances the emotional weight, marking a turning point that reflects a broader commentary on growth and change.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 El Dorado 4:24
- 2 Where Did All the Wild Things Go? 3:58
- 3 San Joaquin 2:37
- 4 Yosemite 3:10
- 5 Next Rodeo 3:47
- 6 When My Race Is Run 4:22
- 7 Alice in the Bluegrass 4:04
- 8 Stranger Things 4:01
- 9 Down Home Dispensary 2:42
- 10 More Like a River 2:57
- 11 Goodbye Mary 4:12
- 12 Evergreen, OK 2:53
- 13 The First Time I Fell in Love 3:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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