What makes Cross Your Fingers by Laura Marling notable?

The release received critical acclaim, solidifying Marling's position within the indie folk genre. It was praised for its lyrical depth and unique sound, contributing to a wave of British folk revival artists gaining recognition in the late 2000s. Its reception helped pave the way for Marling's subsequent successful career. Laura Marling was just emerging as a significant voice in the UK folk scene with her debut album, 'Alas, I Cannot Swim,' released the previous year. 'Cross Your Fingers' represents a continuation of her early work while showcasing her growth as a songwriter and performer. This EP further established her reputation for poignant storytelling and rich acoustic soundscapes.

How many songs are on Cross Your Fingers?

Cross Your Fingers has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Cross Your Fingers

Laura Marling · 2008

5 min · 2 tracks · pop rock

A tender exploration of vulnerability wrapped in delicate melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cross Your Fingers — The title track sets the tone with its hauntingly beautiful melody and introspective lyrics about hope and uncertainty, embodying the essence of the EP.
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I’m a Fly — This brief yet impactful track captures an intimate moment of self-reflection, highlighted by its minimalist instrumentation that allows Marling's voice to shine.

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 single showcases Marling's early songwriting and emotional depth, though it doesn't fully stand out in the broader genre.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow tempo with fingerpicked guitar, creating an intimate atmosphere that highlights the vulnerability in the lyrics.
The second track introduces a more upbeat rhythm but maintains a similar lyrical introspection, contrasting with the first track's mood.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Marling's reputation in the indie folk genre after her debut.
Career context: Laura Marling was just emerging as a significant voice in the UK folk scene with her debut album, 'Alas, I Cannot Swim,' released the previous year. 'Cross Your Fingers' represents a continuation of her early work while showcasing her growth as a songwriter and performer. This EP further established her reputation for poignant storytelling and rich acoustic soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Lucy Dacus