Dart to the Heart
Bruce Cockburn · 1994
49 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of folk and rock that intertwines introspective lyrics with melodic guitar work and jazz-inflected rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Burden of the Angel/Beast — This track stands out for its exploration of duality, contrasting themes of light and darkness through intricate guitar work and haunting vocals.
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Someone I Used to Love — A poignant reflection on lost relationships, this song showcases Cockburn's ability to weave emotional narratives with vivid imagery and heartfelt melodies.
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Listen for the Laugh Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a contemplative tone, combining playful yet introspective lyrics with an infectious rhythm that draws listeners in.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and skilled musicianship, blending folk and jazz elements effectively.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate guitar work that blends fingerpicking and strumming, creating a layered sound across multiple tracks.
- Several songs incorporate jazz-inflected rhythms, particularly in the percussion, which adds a unique groove to the folk foundation.
- Lyrically, the album intertwines personal reflections with broader political themes, often shifting perspectives within individual songs.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- reflective listening moments
- introspective storytelling journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Cockburn's catalog, appreciated by fans but not a defining album.
- Themes
- lost love reflections· light and darkness duality· introspective storytelling
- Career context
- By the time 'Dart to the Heart' was released in 1994, Bruce Cockburn had already established himself as a significant voice in folk music since his debut in 1970. This album marked his return after the critically acclaimed 'Nothing But a Burning Light' in 1991, showcasing his continued musical evolution and lyrical depth during a prolific phase of his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Richard Thompson· Leonard Cohen· Joni Mitchell
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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All the Ways I Want You
The writing shifts from romantic longing to a deep acknowledgment of vulnerabilities within desire.
This transition adds layers to the emotional landscape, moving from surface-level affection to a more profound exploration of intimacy.
Tracklist
- 1 Listen for the Laugh Start here 4:08
- 2 All the Ways I Want You 4:21
- 3 Bone in My Ear 3:47
- 4 Burden of the Angel/Beast 6:31
- 5 Scanning These Crowds 3:50
- 6 Southland of the Heart 4:50
- 7 Train in the Rain 3:43
- 8 Someone I Used to Love 3:36
- 9 Love Loves You Too 4:14
- 10 Sunrise on the Mississippi 3:02
- 11 Closer to the Light 4:11
- 12 Tie Me at the Crossroads 2:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Shares introspective storytelling with a blend of folk and melancholic melodies.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Explores themes of lost love and emotional depth through rich lyrical narratives.
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Similar exploration of light and darkness, paired with deep, reflective songwriting.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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