Everybody Knows cover

Everybody Knows

Judy Collins · 2017

40 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A reflective collection of folk-infused melodies that intertwine personal narrative with timeless themes of love and loss.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Handle With Care Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Everybody Knows — This title track captures the essence of the album's introspective nature, addressing universal truths about life and human experience with poignant lyrics.
  • →
    So Begins the Task — This song emphasizes the theme of personal reflection and resilience, showcasing Collins' trademark vocal clarity and emotional depth.
  • →
    Who Knows Where the Time Goes — Collins’ rendition of this classic highlights her ability to convey a sense of nostalgia and longing, embodying the album's contemplative spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Collins' reinterpretation of classic songs showcases strong craftsmanship and thematic cohesion, making it a notable return to form.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cover of 'Handle With Care', featuring layered harmonies and acoustic instrumentation that sets a reflective tone.
  • Each track typically features a solo vocal performance by Collins, accompanied by minimalistic arrangements that highlight the lyrics.
  • Several songs incorporate traditional folk elements, such as fingerpicked guitar and subtle string arrangements, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
  • The final track, 'Questions', concludes with an extended instrumental outro, allowing the listener to linger on the themes presented.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 journeys
  • reflective listening experiences
  • thoughtful lyrical explorations
  • medium-length immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — A strong release that showcases Collins' continued vitality in her later career.
Themes
societal disillusionment· nostalgic reflection· vulnerability in relationships
Career context
Released in 2017, Everybody Knows is Judy Collins' first studio album in over a decade, following her 2008 release, Paradise. At this stage in her career, Collins was revisiting and reinterpreting classic songs while also showcasing new material, marking a significant return to the forefront of contemporary folk music.
Stylistic neighbors
Joan Baez· Linda Ronstadt· Carole King

Tracklist

  • 1 Handle With Care Start here 3:43
  • 2 So Begins the Task 3:35
  • 3 River of Gold 3:36
  • 4 Judy 4:02
  • 5 Everybody Knows 5:26
  • 6 Houses 4:36
  • 7 Reason to Believe 2:57
  • 8 Girl From the North Country 3:26
  • 9 Who Knows Where the Time Goes 5:40
  • 10 Questions 3:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata