What makes Entre Lajeunesse et la sagesse by Kate and Anna McGarrigle notable?

The album is significant for its exploration of personal and cultural narratives through a folk lens, solidifying the McGarrigles' influence on subsequent generations of artists. It received critical acclaim upon release, helping to further establish their reputation and contributing to the burgeoning folk revival movement of the late 20th century. Released in 1980, Entre Lajeunesse et la sagesse was the third studio album from Kate and Anna McGarrigle, following their acclaimed self-titled debut in 1976 and their sophomore effort, Dancer with Bruised Knees, in 1977. At this point in their career, the duo had already established themselves within the Canadian folk scene and were beginning to gain international recognition for their distinctive sound blending traditional folk with contemporary themes.

How many songs are on Entre Lajeunesse et la sagesse?

Entre Lajeunesse et la sagesse has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Entre Lajeunesse et la sagesse

Kate and Anna McGarrigle · 1980

37 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

Harmonious folk melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating an intimate portrait of love and longing.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Entre la jeunesse et la sagesse — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its reflective lyrics that navigate the delicate balance between youth and wisdom, showcasing the sisters’ harmonies beautifully.
→
Complainte pour Ste. Catherine — This song stands out for its haunting melody and rich narrative that pays homage to a beloved figure, illustrating the duo's ability to blend folklore with personal storytelling.
→
Mais quand tu danses — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this track highlights the McGarrigles' knack for crafting engaging stories set to infectious melodies, making it a memorable listening experience.

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 combines strong storytelling with rich harmonies, making it a notable entry in folk rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies, setting a tone of intimacy and reflection.
Several tracks utilize traditional folk instrumentation, such as acoustic guitar and piano, creating a warm, organic sound.
Lyrically, the songs often tell stories that blend personal experiences with cultural references, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the narratives.

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 Entre la jeunesse et la sagesse 4:31
2 Complainte pour Ste. Catherine 2:53
3 Mais quand tu danses 3:53
4 Cheminant à la ville 2:18
5 Excursion à Venise 4:31
6 En filant ma quenouille 2:02
7 La belle s'est étourdie 3:28
8 Naufragée du Tendre 3:45
9 Avant la guerre 4:06
10 À boire 2:40
11 Prends ton manteau 2:53

What to play next

Listen next

Love Over and Over

1982

Go back to

Pronto Monto

1978

Full Kate and Anna McGarrigle discography Artists like Kate and Anna McGarrigle

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata