Fingerprint
Mark Heard · 1980
37 min · 13 tracks · folk rock
A poignant blend of folk rock and introspective lyrics that explore personal and societal themes with heartfelt sincerity.
Top tracks — play these first
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I’m in Chains — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its gripping narrative about personal struggle and societal constraints, showcasing Heard's lyrical prowess.
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Well-Worn Pages — The song reflects on the passage of time and the wisdom gained through experience, embodying the introspective nature of Heard's songwriting.
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Negative Charge — This track stands out for its commentary on emotional turmoil, effectively merging personal and political themes within its compelling melody.
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Epistle — Offering a poetic approach to communication, this song highlights Heard's unique ability to weave biblical references into contemporary contexts.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting but uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo rhythm, while the subsequent tracks introduce varied tempos and instrumentation.
- Several songs utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a spoken word piece followed by a choral arrangement, creating a distinct shift in tone and style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- introspective reflections on life
- short tracks for quick listening
- thought-provoking themes and lyrics
- for quiet afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, expansive albums
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1980, Fingerprint was Mark Heard's third studio album, following his breakthrough with 1979's Eye of the Storm. At this point, Heard had begun to establish himself within the Christian music scene while also appealing to a broader audience with his folk rock style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Larry Norman· James Taylor· Rich Mullins
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I’m in Chains 3:33
- 2 Nowadays 3:24
- 3 One More Time 3:00
- 4 Epistle 2:47
- 5 Just the Same 3:18
- 6 Well-Worn Pages 2:47
- 7 Gimme Mine 3:47
- 8 All the Sleepless Dreamers 3:30
- 9 Negative Charge 3:52
- 10 Brown-Eyed Sue 3:15
- 11 Es Tut Mir Leid 1:56
- 12 Remarks to Mr. McLuhan 2:02
- 13 Threefold Amen 0:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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