Cold on the Shoulder cover

Cold on the Shoulder

Gordon Lightfoot · 1975

43 min · 12 tracks · country · folk rock

A melodic tapestry of folk-infused country sounds woven with introspective lyrics and rich storytelling.

Why this album works

'Cold on the Shoulder' solidified Lightfoot's status in the North American music scene, reaching number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart and receiving critical acclaim for its lyrical depth. The album features tracks that remain staples in Lightfoot's catalog, reflecting his influence on subsequent generations of folk and country artists.
Best for
steady melodic journey throughout introspective storytelling for reflection for quiet afternoons
Context
By the time 'Cold on the Shoulder' was released in January 1975, Gordon Lightfoot had established himself as a leading figure in Canadian folk music, following his breakthrough album 'Sundown' just a year prior. This album marked his continued evolution as a songwriter, showcasing deeper lyrical themes and a more polished production style that appealed to both folk and country audiences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bend in the Water 2:59
  • 2 Rainy Day People Standout 2:48
  • 3 Cold on the Shoulder Standout 3:00
  • 4 The Soul Is the Rock Standout 5:49
  • 5 Bells of the Evening 3:56
  • 6 Rainbow Trout 2:59
  • 7 A Tree Too Weak to Stand 3:22
  • 8 All the Lovely Ladies 3:35
  • 9 Fine as Fine Can Be 2:58
  • 10 Cherokee Bend 5:02
  • 11 Now and Then 3:09
  • 12 Slide on Over 3:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata