What makes Counterpoint by Jason Webley notable?

Counterpoint received critical acclaim within the folk music community, showcasing Webley’s ability to blend traditional sounds with personal storytelling. The album's unique approach earned it a dedicated following and significantly influenced the indie folk movement of the early 2000s. Released in 2002, Counterpoint marked Jason Webley's third studio album, following his self-titled debut and the transitional album, Stupid. At this point in his career, Webley was establishing himself as a distinctive voice in the folk scene, known for his theatrical performance style and engaging narratives.

How many songs are on Counterpoint?

Counterpoint has 12 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Counterpoint

Jason Webley · 2002

70 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music

A tapestry of emotive folk melodies interwoven with introspective lyrics and vibrant storytelling, creating an intimate listening experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Southern Cross — This track opens the album with a sweeping melody that introduces listeners to Webley's signature storytelling style, setting a contemplative tone for the journey ahead.
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It's Not Time To Go Yet — With its poignant lyrics about longing and anticipation, this song encapsulates the emotional core of the album, resonating deeply with listeners facing transitions.
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Goodbye Forever Once Again — This track features a haunting arrangement that highlights Webley's vocal range while exploring themes of farewell and reminiscence, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Webley's blend of traditional folk with personal narratives creates a distinctive sound, though cohesion dips in the latter half.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, rhythmic track that sets a lively pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down significantly in the latter part.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, while others strip back to solo performances, highlighting Webley's storytelling.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, enhancing the emotional weight of the melodies.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Then

The narrative shifts from reflection to a vivid moment in time, vividly painting a scene that captures fleeting happiness.

By employing rich imagery and sensory detail, this shift deepens the listener's connection to the past experiences being recalled.

Tracklist

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

1 Southern Cross 6:16
2 Broken Cup 6:12
3 Quite Contrary 3:08
4 Then 4:44
5 It's Not Time To Go Yet 5:59
6 The Graveyard 6:38
7 Northern Lights 5:17
8 Drinking Song 3:56
9 Counterpart 4:44
10 Now 3:12
11 Goodbye Forever Once Again 7:39
12 Train Tracks 12:12

What to play next

Listen next

Only Just Beginning

2004

Go back to

Against the Night

1999

Full Jason Webley discography Artists like Jason Webley

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata