What makes Flaming Red by Patty Griffin notable?

Flaming Red received critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising Griffin's lyrical depth and vocal prowess. The album solidified her presence within the Americana and folk-rock genres, influencing a generation of singer-songwriters and earning a spot on several year-end best-of lists. Released in 1998, Flaming Red marked Patty Griffin's second studio album, following her self-titled debut. At this point in her career, she was beginning to establish herself as a significant voice in the folk music scene, gaining attention for her poignant songwriting and powerful vocal delivery.

Who is Flaming Red for?

Flaming Red works well if you're into steady melodic progression throughout, emotional storytelling in every track and exploration of love and loss.

How many songs are on Flaming Red?

Flaming Red has 13 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Flaming Red

Patty Griffin · 1998

50 min · 13 tracks · folk music

A rich tapestry of folk-rock woven with emotive storytelling and vibrant instrumentation that captures the complexities of love and loss.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Flaming Red — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of passion and heartache through vivid imagery and an infectious melody, setting the emotional tone for the record.
→
One Big Love — This song showcases Griffin's unique ability to blend raw emotion with a catchy chorus, making it an anthem for longing and desire that resonates deeply.
→
Change — With its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, this track highlights Griffin's lyrical sophistication while exploring themes of transformation and acceptance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and varied arrangements, though it has moments of uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation, gradually building in intensity before transitioning to the more subdued 'One Big Love'.
Several tracks, such as 'Goodbye' and 'Carry Me', utilize a call-and-response vocal style that emphasizes emotional storytelling.
The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier, more energetic songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic progression throughout
emotional storytelling in every track
exploration of love and loss
intimate moments of reflection
for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1998, Flaming Red marked Patty Griffin's second studio album, following her self-titled debut. At this point in her career, she was beginning to establish herself as a significant voice in the folk music scene, gaining attention for her poignant songwriting and powerful vocal delivery.
Stylistic neighbors: Dar Williams· Neko Case· Brandi Carlile