Days of Open Hand
Suzanne Vega · 1990
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Intimate folk-infused melodies intertwine with contemplative lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape of personal and societal themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tired of Sleeping Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, delving into themes of disillusionment and restlessness.
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Men in a War — A poignant reflection on conflict, this song combines vivid imagery with a compelling narrative that highlights Vega's storytelling prowess.
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Institution Green — With its elongated structure and layered vocals, this track exemplifies Vega's artistic growth, merging personal experience with broader social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and cohesive themes, supported by intimate production choices.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a soft, acoustic-driven track that sets a reflective tone, gradually introducing more complex arrangements in subsequent songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the intimacy of the lyrics, particularly in 'Those Whole Girls (Run in Grace)'.
- The running time is just over 40 minutes, with most tracks hovering around the three to four-minute mark, allowing for concise storytelling.
- The final track, 'Pilgrimage', serves as a contemplative conclusion, echoing themes from earlier songs while providing a sense of closure.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- intimate storytelling experiences
- reflective and contemplative moods
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album showcases Vega's lyrical depth and musicality, marking a high point in her career.
- Career context
- By the time 'Days of Open Hand' was released in 1990, Suzanne Vega had already established herself as an influential voice in alternative rock with her critically acclaimed self-titled debut in 1985 and the successful follow-up, 'Solitude Standing.' This album marked her third studio release and demonstrated a continued evolution in her songwriting, addressing more complex narratives and broader themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Germano· Natalie Merchant· Aimee Mann
Tracklist
- 1 Tired of Sleeping Start here 4:23
- 2 Men in a War 4:47
- 3 Rusted Pipe 4:16
- 4 Book of Dreams 3:23
- 5 Institution Green 6:15
- 6 Those Whole Girls (Run in Grace) 3:08
- 7 Room Off the Street 3:01
- 8 Big Space 3:47
- 9 Predictions 4:59
- 10 Fifty-Fifty Chance 2:36
- 11 Pilgrimage 5:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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