Family Album cover

Family Album

David Allan Coe · 1978

40 min · 10 tracks · country music

A gritty exploration of life and family, merging classic country storytelling with a raw, rebellious edge.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take This Job and Shove It — This track became an anthem for disenchanted workers, encapsulating the frustrations of blue-collar life while showcasing Coe's signature blend of humor and grit.
  • →
    Million Dollar Memories — In this reflective ballad, Coe captures poignant moments from his past, weaving nostalgia with a sense of loss that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Heavenly Father, Holy Mother — This track stands out for its spiritual depth, exploring themes of faith and familial ties through heartfelt lyrics and a somber melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends storytelling with a raw sound, showcasing Coe's unique voice in country music.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature spoken word sections interspersed with singing, creating a conversational style that enhances the storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
  • humorous reflections on everyday life
  • sing-along moments with friends
  • nostalgic tales of family bonds

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone single hits

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 1, 1978, Family Album marked David Allan Coe's fifth studio album during a period of increasing notoriety. Following the success of his hit single Take This Job and Shove It, Coe was solidifying his reputation as a prominent voice in outlaw country music, blending deeply personal themes with a defiant attitude.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Family Album 7:08
  • 2 Million Dollar Memories 3:10
  • 3 Divers Do It Deeper 3:00
  • 4 Guilty Footsteps 2:48
  • 5 Take This Job and Shove It 2:58
  • 6 Houston, Dallas, San Antone 3:48
  • 7 I’ve Got to Have You 5:54
  • 8 Whole Lot of Lonesome 3:27
  • 9 Bad Impressions 3:03
  • 10 Heavenly Father, Holy Mother 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata