Drunkard's Prayer cover

Drunkard's Prayer

Over the Rhine · 2005

50 min · 11 tracks · country music

A haunting blend of Americana, folk, and gospel that weaves together themes of longing and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Want You to Be My Love Start here — This opening track skillfully sets the tone for the album with its yearning lyrics and tender instrumentation, encapsulating the emotional core of the record.
  • →
    Drunkard's Prayer — The title track stands out due to its reflective narrative and soulful melodies, serving as a meditation on vulnerability and faith amidst life's struggles.
  • →
    Little Did I Know — This track showcases the duo's ability to blend poignant storytelling with lush arrangements, highlighting themes of unexpected love and revelation.

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 album's blend of styles and introspective themes creates a compelling yet familiar listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The instrumentation varies between acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle string arrangements, contributing to a rich but understated sound.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • reflective moments for quiet thinking
  • tender vocals for emotional connection
  • suitable for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped establish wider recognition for Over the Rhine in Americana.
Themes
small-town longing· faith in vulnerability· poetic storytelling
Career context
Released in 2005, Drunkard's Prayer marked Over the Rhine's sixth studio album, following their acclaimed effort, Ohio. At this point in their career, the duo was solidifying their reputation for poetic lyricism and intricate melodies, capturing a devoted fanbase while exploring deeper emotional territory.
Stylistic neighbors
The Civil Wars· Neko Case· Gillian Welch
New to Over the Rhine? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 I Want You to Be My Love Start here 4:09
  • 2 Born 6:13
  • 3 Drunkard's Prayer 4:10
  • 4 Bluer 3:45
  • 5 Spark 4:13
  • 6 Hush Now (Stella's Tarantella) 3:22
  • 7 Lookin' Forward 3:15
  • 8 Little Did I Know 6:55
  • 9 Who Will Guard the Door 5:06
  • 10 Firefly 5:22
  • 11 My Funny Valentine 4:16

What to play next

Snow Angels
Listen next

Snow Angels

2006

Continues the introspective themes with a rich, atmospheric sound.
Ohio
Go back to

Ohio

2003

Sets the stage with a similar blend of Americana and emotional depth.
Full Over the Rhine discography Where to start with Over the Rhine Artists like Over the Rhine
traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata