Come On Now Social cover

Come On Now Social

Indigo Girls · 1999

57 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of folk rock and alternative sounds, deeply rooted in personal storytelling and social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Go Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its energetic instrumentation and themes of urgency and action, establishing a call to engagement that resonates throughout.
  • →
    Sister — This song explores complex familial relationships, blending personal narrative with broader reflections on love and connection, encapsulating the emotional core of the album.
  • →
    Compromise — With its sharp lyrics and catchy melody, this track critiques societal expectations and personal sacrifice, offering a poignant commentary on the struggles of balancing desires and realities.
  • →
    Peace Tonight — This song's contemplative nature addresses longing for tranquility amidst chaos, providing a reflective moment that contrasts with the more upbeat tracks in the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong storytelling through varied tempos and harmonies but lacks a cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a steady build in tempo and intensity, culminating in a more reflective fourth track that introduces a shift in mood.
  • Several songs incorporate intricate vocal harmonies that alternate between the two lead singers, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The album closes with a medley that combines themes from earlier tracks, creating a sense of resolution while also leaving some ideas open-ended.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 journey with emotional peaks
  • poignant storytelling for reflective moments
  • intricate harmonies for attentive listening
  • ideal for late-night conversations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • avoid lengthy, cohesive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Reflects the duo's artistic evolution and received critical acclaim for its depth.
Themes
familial complexity· social activism· personal sacrifice
Career context
Released in 1999, Come On Now Social marked the Indigo Girls' sixth studio album during a period of artistic evolution. Following their commercial peak in the early '90s with albums like Swamp Ophelia, this album continued to showcase their commitment to addressing social issues through music while maintaining their signature harmonies.
Stylistic neighbors
The Civil Wars· Brandi Carlile· Dar Williams

Tracklist

  • 1 Go Start here 4:05
  • 2 Soon Be to Nothing 4:29
  • 3 Gone Again 3:27
  • 4 Trouble 4:51
  • 5 Sister 4:58
  • 6 Peace Tonight 4:11
  • 7 Ozilline 4:43
  • 8 We Are Together 3:25
  • 9 Cold Beer and Remote Control 4:17
  • 10 Compromise 2:50
  • 11 Andy 4:01
  • 12 Faye Tucker / Sister (reprise) / The Philosophy of Loss 12:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata