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
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Handle With Care Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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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.
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So Begins the Task — This song emphasizes the theme of personal reflection and resilience, showcasing Collins' trademark vocal clarity and emotional depth.
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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.
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
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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
- 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Before This World
James Taylor
Explores similar themes of introspection and vulnerability with a blend of folk and soft rock.
Peace Trail
Neil Young
Shares a reflective take on societal issues with a raw acoustic sound, echoing Stills' lyrical depth.
The Ghosts of Highway 20
Lucinda Williams
Combines poignant storytelling and emotional resonance, akin to the nostalgia found in Stills' work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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