For the Family cover

For the Family

Stan Rogers · 1983

36 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A rich tapestry of storytelling, blending traditional folk melodies with evocative narratives of Canadian life and culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Scarborough Settler's Lament — This track captures the essence of longing and nostalgia for home, showcasing Rogers' ability to convey deep emotion through vivid imagery. Its exploration of settler identity reflects broader themes prevalent in Canadian folk narrative.
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    The Badger Drive — A lively recounting of a traditional hunting drive, this song demonstrates Rogers' knack for storytelling while incorporating lively instrumentation that draws listeners into the experience. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with the often somber themes found in folk music.
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    Cliffs of Baccalieu — This track illustrates the rugged beauty of Newfoundland's landscape paired with a haunting melody, highlighting Rogers' skill in marrying place with personal narrative. The imagery evokes strong connections to Canadian geography and heritage.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong storytelling through folk melodies, reflecting Canadian culture effectively.

What we noticed

  • Each track features a narrative structure, often telling a story that reflects aspects of Canadian life.
  • The instrumentation predominantly includes acoustic guitars and traditional folk instruments, creating a warm, organic sound.
  • Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocal techniques, enhancing the communal feel typical of folk music.
  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only minor variations in tempo across the ten tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Lookout Hill 2:08
  • 2 Cliffs of Baccalieu 3:28
  • 3 Strings and Dory Plug 2:58
  • 4 The Badger Drive 4:18
  • 5 Cape St. Mary's 5:27
  • 6 Two Bit Cayuse 2:50
  • 7 Scarborough Settler's Lament 4:49
  • 8 Yeastcake Jones 3:43
  • 9 Up in Fox Island 2:37
  • 10 Three Fishers 3:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata