What makes Cruel Sister by The Unthanks notable?

Cruel Sister received critical acclaim upon its release, earning a place on several 'best of' lists and influencing a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music in the UK. The album's blend of original compositions and reinterpretations of traditional songs set a new standard for modern folk artists. Released in 2005, Cruel Sister marked The Unthanks' debut album under their own name, following their earlier work as Rachel Unthank and the Winterset. This album established them as prominent figures in the contemporary folk scene, showcasing their unique take on traditional British folk music.

How many songs are on Cruel Sister?

Cruel Sister has 13 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Cruel Sister

The Unthanks · 2005

54 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music

Traditional folk melodies intertwine with haunting harmonies, creating an ethereal atmosphere that echoes centuries of storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cruel Sister — The title track masterfully captures the dark themes of betrayal and loss through its extended arrangement, showcasing the duo's vocal harmonies and poignant storytelling.
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January Man — This track stands out for its evocative lyrics and rich imagery, reflecting on the passage of time with a melancholic yet hopeful tone that resonates throughout the album.
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Fair Rosamund — Through its haunting melody and narrative depth, this song exemplifies the band's ability to bring historical tales to life, making it a centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The Unthanks' debut intertwines traditional and original folk elements with strong harmonies, establishing their unique voice in contemporary folk.

What we noticed

Several songs utilize a call-and-response structure, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, creating a rich, atmospheric sound that supports the vocal arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 On a Monday Morning 3:13
2 January Man 3:31
3 Fair Rosamund 2:56
4 Cruel Sister 8:41
5 Rap Her to Bank 1:33
6 Raven Girl 2:08
7 Twenty Long Weeks 3:23
8 The Fair Flower of Northumberland 4:51
9 The Greatham Calling On Song 5:57
10 River Man 5:00
11 Bonny at Morn 4:15
12 John Dead 3:49
13 Troubled Waters 5:06

What to play next

Listen next

The Bairns

2007

Full The Unthanks discography Artists like The Unthanks

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata