What makes Faithlift by Spirit of the West notable?

'Faithlift' received critical acclaim and helped the band gain traction beyond Canada, featuring prominently on alternative rock charts. Its introspective lyrics resonated with listeners, making it a significant entry in the early '90s Canadian folk rock movement. By the time 'Faithlift' was released in 1993, Spirit of the West had established themselves as a prominent band in the Canadian music scene following their breakout hit 'Home for a Rest' from their previous album. This record represents a continuation of their exploration of themes related to identity and cultural reflection, solidifying their unique sound and lyrical depth during this period.

How many songs are on Faithlift?

Faithlift has 12 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Faithlift

Spirit of the West · 1993

50 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of folk rock and storytelling, marrying poignant lyrics with energetic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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And If Venice Is Sinking — This track captures the album's thematic essence, using vivid imagery to address environmental concerns while maintaining an upbeat melody that contrasts its serious message.
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Sadness Grows — Incorporating haunting melodies and reflective lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend emotional weight with catchy hooks, representing their folk rock roots.
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God's Apprentice — This track showcases intricate lyrical storytelling that questions faith and purpose, embodying the intellectual curiosity prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic folk rock with storytelling, showcasing strong lyrical themes and varied instrumentation.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brisk tempo in '5 Free Minutes', maintaining an upbeat energy through the first half before shifting to more introspective themes in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature layered instrumentation, with prominent use of acoustic guitars and harmonies that create a rich soundscape.
Lyrical storytelling is central, with tracks like 'And If Venice Is Sinking' employing vivid imagery and personal reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Sadness Grows

The bridge shifts from personal contemplation to broader societal observations about loss and grief without losing its melodic drive.

This transition expands the song's focus, allowing individual experiences to reflect collective emotions, enriching the listener's connection to the themes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 5 Free Minutes 4:00
2 Sadness Grows 3:03
3 Is This Where I Come In 3:48
4 Bone of Contention 5:37
5 Slow Learner 4:19
6 And If Venice Is Sinking 3:51
7 Mum's the Word 5:58
8 Death on the Beach 5:01
9 Sincerely Yours 2:32
10 God's Apprentice 3:39
11 Guildhall Witness 2:25
12 6th Floor 5:50

What to play next

Listen next

Two Headed

1995

Go back to

Go Figure

1991

Full Spirit of the West discography Artists like Spirit of the West

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata