Fifth Album cover

Fifth Album

Judy Collins · 1965

44 min · 12 tracks · folk music

A rich tapestry of folk melodies woven with poignant storytelling and expressive vocal phrasing.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pack Up Your Sorrows Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Mr. Tambourine Man — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and Collins' emotive delivery, capturing the essence of Dylan's original while adding her unique touch. It became one of her signature songs, showcasing her ability to interpret complex lyrical themes.
  • →
    Thirsty Boots — Collins' rendition of this song highlights her skill at conveying deep emotion through subtle vocal nuances, making it a memorable highlight on the album. The storytelling aspect resonates powerfully, reflecting the longing inherent in the lyrics.
  • →
    Tomorrow Is a Long Time — Her version transforms this lesser-known Dylan piece into an introspective ballad that emphasizes vulnerability and hope, illustrating Collins' ability to elevate poetic lyrics through her interpretation. It showcases her range and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends original and covered material with a focus on storytelling, but lacks standout compositional depth.

What we noticed

  • Each song is structured around a clear verse-chorus format, allowing for storytelling to take center stage.
  • The pacing varies, with several tracks maintaining a reflective tempo while others pick up slightly, such as 'Mr. Tambourine Man'.
  • The final track ends on a resolved chord, providing a sense of closure to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady reflective listening journey
  • poignant storytelling for introspection
  • morning coffee contemplation
  • gentle melodies for quiet moments
  • thoughtful lyrics sparking nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party atmosphere
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Collins' reputation in the folk scene after her earlier success.
Themes
mid-1960s folk revival· poignant storytelling· Dylan covers· personalized emotion
Career context
By the time Judy Collins released Fifth Album in 1965, she was gaining prominence in the folk music scene following her breakthrough with her previous album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow. This album showcased her evolving artistry as she transitioned from traditional folk interpretations to more contemporary song choices, solidifying her role as a leading voice in the genre during this period.
Stylistic neighbors
Joan Baez· Linda Ronstadt· Carole King
New to Judy Collins? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Pack Up Your Sorrows Start here 3:15
  • 2 The Coming of the Roads 3:38
  • 3 So Early, Early in the Spring 3:11
  • 4 Tomorrow Is a Long Time 4:12
  • 5 Daddy You've Been on My Mind 2:57
  • 6 Thirsty Boots 5:06
  • 7 Mr. Tambourine Man 5:26
  • 8 Lord Gregory 3:35
  • 9 In the Heat of the Summer 3:25
  • 10 Early Morning Rain 3:16
  • 11 Carry It On 2:51
  • 12 It Isn't Nice 3:04

What to play next

In My Life
Listen next

In My Life

1966

Continues the folk storytelling with rich melodies and emotional depth.
#3
Go back to

#3

1964

Precedes Fifth Album with similar folk influences and vocal styles.
Full Judy Collins discography Where to start with Judy Collins Artists like Judy Collins

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

Shares the same poignant storytelling and introspective lyrics central to the folk revival.

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

Simon & Garfunkel

Features a blend of traditional folk sounds and personal narratives, echoing Collins' emotional depth.

Songs of Leonard Cohen

Songs of Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen

Utilizes rich lyrical imagery and a reflective tone similar to Collins' intimate songwriting style.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata