Closer to the Bone
Kris Kristofferson · 2009
61 min · 20 tracks · country music
A reflective blend of country and folk that merges intimate storytelling with the weight of a seasoned voice.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Closer to the Bone Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of vulnerability and introspection, setting a reflective tone that resonates throughout the other songs.
-
→
Holy Woman — This track showcases Kristofferson's lyrical prowess, weaving personal devotion with broader existential questions, creating a powerful narrative arc.
-
→
Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down — Originally made famous by Johnny Cash, this version reflects Kristofferson's continued relevance and mastery over his classic works, adding new emotional layers.
-
→
Let the Walls Come Down — This song serves as an anthem of liberation and resilience, resonating deeply with listeners who appreciate its call for personal freedom amidst life’s challenges.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong storytelling but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional melodies, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- The album closes with three tracks that reflect on themes of resilience and introspection, leaving a contemplative mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- 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
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
- gentle melodies for late nights
- narrative-driven storytelling experience
- emotional resonance with heartfelt themes
- wave-like pacing for contemplative journeys
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued vitality and strong songwriting in later years.
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Closer to the Bone arrived during a period when Kris Kristofferson was transitioning back into the spotlight after years of relative obscurity. This album followed his 2006 release, This Old Road, marking a resurgence in both his songwriting and performance as he embraced themes of aging and reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Townes Van Zandt· John Prine· Guy Clark
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Closer to the Bone Start here 2:33
- 2 From Here to Forever 3:33
- 3 Holy Woman 2:30
- 4 Starlight and Stone 3:47
- 5 Sister Sinead 2:21
- 6 Hall of Angels 4:00
- 7 Love Don’t Live Here Anymore 2:02
- 8 Good Morning John 2:51
- 9 Tell Me One More Time 2:40
- 10 Let the Walls Come Down 2:42
- 11 The Wonder 3:10
- 12 [untitled] 1:26
Disc 2
- 1 This Old Road 3:58
- 2 The Final Attraction 2:09
- 3 Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down 5:28
- 4 The Silver Tongued Devil and I 2:26
- 5 For the Good Times 4:41
- 6 A Moment of Forever 2:37
- 7 Don’t Let the Bastards (Get You Down) 2:49
- 8 Why Me? 3:30
What to play next
Feeling Mortal
2013
Continues the reflective tone with themes of aging and introspection.
This Old Road
2006
Sets the stage with a similar blend of storytelling and seasoned vocal delivery.
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.