Exit Strategy of the Soul
Ron Sexsmith · 2008
44 min · 14 tracks · folk music
Whimsical melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a tapestry of human experience and emotional nuance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Brandy Alexander — This track stands out for its playful yet poignant exploration of nostalgia and longing, embodying the album's blend of whimsy and heartache.
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Thoughts and Prayers — In this song, Sexsmith combines simple melodies with powerful imagery that critiques social issues, showcasing his ability to address complex themes with sincerity.
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Traveling Alone — The track captures the essence of solitude and self-reflection through its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, illustrating Sexsmith's storytelling prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with emotional depth, though it doesn't significantly stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that enhance the whimsical quality of the melodies.
- The lyrics often employ metaphor and imagery, creating a narrative depth that invites repeated listening.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate melodies for quiet moments
- steady pacing for reflective listening
- thoughtful lyrics in cozy settings
- mid-tempo flow for relaxed vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Exit Strategy of the Soul' was released in 2008, Ron Sexsmith had already established himself as a respected songwriter, following his acclaimed album 'Time Being' from 2006. This album marked a continued exploration of his signature folk-pop sound, further solidifying his reputation as a poignant lyricist within the Canadian music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens· James Taylor
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Spiritude 1:30
- 2 This Is How I Know 3:49
- 3 One Last Round 3:10
- 4 Ghost of a Chance 3:38
- 5 Thoughts and Prayers 2:52
- 6 Brandy Alexander 3:27
- 7 Traveling Alone 3:44
- 8 Poor Helpless Dreams 3:50
- 9 Hard Time 3:11
- 10 The Impossible World 2:50
- 11 Chased by Love 3:37
- 12 Brighter Still 3:40
- 13 Music to My Ears 2:58
- 14 Dawn Anna 2:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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