Fleeting Days
Dan Bern · 2003
53 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A reflective blend of folk storytelling and personal introspection, woven with melodic guitar and poignant lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Superman — The track stands out for its catchy chorus and witty lyrics that juxtapose superhero imagery with everyday vulnerabilities, making it a standout anthem of self-acceptance.
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Closer to You — This emotionally charged ballad encapsulates longing and connection, showcasing Bern's ability to convey deep feelings through simple yet evocative language.
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City — With its vivid imagery of urban life and poignant observations on loneliness, this track highlights Bern's unique storytelling approach within the folk genre.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting with personal themes, though it doesn't push boundaries in folk music.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar as the primary instrument, with most tracks maintaining a gentle strumming pattern.
- Bern's vocal delivery is conversational and often shifts between storytelling and introspection, creating an intimate atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate subtle harmonies that enhance the lyrical themes without overshadowing the main melody.
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- intimate reflections on love
- thoughtful storytelling for introspection
- gentle melodies for quiet moments
- cathartic release through lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Fleeting Days' was released in 2003, Dan Bern had already established himself as a respected figure in folk music, following his breakthrough album 'New American Language' from 1997. This album came as Bern was transitioning into a more mature phase of songwriting, further exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Josh Ritter· Greg Brown· John Gorka
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Baby Bye Bye 3:06
- 2 Eva 3:46
- 3 Superman 3:58
- 4 Closer to You 7:00
- 5 I Need You 4:16
- 6 Chain Around My Neck 2:32
- 7 Jane 2:36
- 8 Crow 2:31
- 9 Don't Make Me Leave 3:43
- 10 City 3:38
- 11 Fly Away 6:46
- 12 Graceland 5:00
- 13 Soul 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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