Crooked
Kristin Hersh · 2010
40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of raw emotion and intricate melodies that intertwine vulnerability with the strength of alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moan — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric instrumentation and emotionally charged vocals, encapsulating Hersh's signature style.
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Fortune — With its poignant lyrics and dynamic shifts in melody, this track highlights Hersh’s ability to blend vulnerability with powerful musicality.
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Crooked — The title track stands out for its lyrical depth and haunting arrangement, reflecting themes of personal struggle and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intricate melodies with emotional depth, showcasing Hersh's songwriting and vocal interplay.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady build in intensity, with layered instrumentation that gradually introduces more complex arrangements.
- Several tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal technique, allowing Hersh's voice to interact dynamically with the instrumentation.
- The album closes with two tracks that significantly drop in tempo, creating a reflective and somber atmosphere as it concludes.
- 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 mid-tempo introspective flow
- ethereal melodies for quiet moments
- haunting soundscapes for deep thinking
- intimate listening during solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2010, Kristin Hersh was well-established in her solo career following her time with Throwing Muses. 'Crooked' marked her fifth studio album, arriving after the critically acclaimed 'Learn to Sing Like a Star' (2007), showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Liz Phair· Neko Case· Sharon Van Etten
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Moan 4:57
- 2 Sand 3:07
- 3 Glass 3:31
- 4 Mississippi Kite 3:36
- 5 Fortune 4:17
- 6 Coals 4:16
- 7 Crooked 3:10
- 8 Krait 5:29
- 9 Flooding 4:02
- 10 Rubidoux 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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