What makes Down in a Hole by Kiefer Sutherland notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, highlighting Sutherland's authentic songwriting and vocal delivery. It peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, indicating a successful entry into the competitive country music scene. The release also sparked discussions about the crossover of film actors into music careers. Released in 2016, Down in a Hole marked Kiefer Sutherland's debut album after a long career as a Hollywood actor. This project showcased his transition into music, following years of performing live shows and establishing himself as a singer-songwriter. It came at a time when Sutherland was seeking to redefine his artistic identity beyond the screen.

How many songs are on Down in a Hole?

Down in a Hole has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Down in a Hole

Kiefer Sutherland · 2016

44 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A heartfelt blend of country and rock, underscored by introspective lyrics and Sutherland's gravelly vocals that invite reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Truth in Your Eyes — This track stands out for its raw emotional depth, capturing themes of vulnerability and honesty that resonate throughout the album.
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Down in a Hole — The title track encapsulates the album’s central theme of grappling with personal struggles, delivered with poignant sincerity in Sutherland’s voice.
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Going Home — This song features a reflective narrative about nostalgia and longing, showcasing Sutherland's storytelling ability paired with melodic instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a steady mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
Sutherland's vocal delivery often features a gravelly tone, which adds an emotional weight to the introspective lyrics throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate acoustic instrumentation, giving them a raw and organic feel that complements the lyrical themes of longing and reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Can't Stay Away 3:31
2 Truth in Your Eyes 4:22
3 I'll Do Anything 3:21
4 Not Enough Whiskey 3:57
5 Going Home 4:26
6 Calling Out Your Name 4:26
7 My Best Friend 4:36
8 Shirley Jean 4:17
9 All She Wrote 4:54
10 Down in a Hole 3:47
11 Gonna Die 3:10

What to play next

Listen next

Reckless & Me

2019

Full Kiefer Sutherland discography Artists like Kiefer Sutherland

alternative rock country pop pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata