Is Goin' Away a good place to start with Lightnin' Hopkins?

Yes, Goin' Away is recommended as a starting point for new Lightnin' Hopkins listeners. A raw blend of Texas blues and country influences, infused with Hopkins' distinctive storytelling and expressive guitar work. Released in 1963, Goin' Away is Lightnin' Hopkins' first album for the famed label Vee-Jay Records, marking a significant moment in his career following a series of local recordings. This album showcases his transition from regional popularity to broader recognition within the blues genre, highlighting his unique style and narrative prowess.

Who is Goin' Away for?

Goin' Away works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, evocative storytelling through song and for late-night drives.

How many songs are on Goin' Away?

Goin' Away has 8 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Goin' Away

Lightnin' Hopkins · 1963

34 min · 8 tracks · blues

A raw blend of Texas blues and country influences, infused with Hopkins' distinctive storytelling and expressive guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Goin' Away — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of departure and loss, showcasing Hopkins' emotive vocal delivery alongside intricate guitar riffs that highlight his signature style.
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Don't Embarass Me, Baby — This track stands out with its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm, illustrating Hopkins' ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling, making it an enjoyable yet impactful listen.
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Wake Up Old Lady Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with a compelling mix of urgency and intimacy, reflecting Hopkins’ deep connection to personal experiences and relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Hopkins' storytelling and guitar work, maintaining a cohesive sound while remaining distinctive in the blues genre.

What we noticed

The album maintains a consistent tempo throughout, with most songs staying within a mid-tempo range, creating a laid-back atmosphere.
Hopkins employs storytelling in his lyrics, often weaving personal narratives into the fabric of the songs, which enhances their emotional resonance.

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

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 mid-tempo groove
evocative storytelling through song
for late-night drives
raw emotional connection
engaging sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek complex musical arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First album for Vee-Jay, solidifying his reputation in Texas blues.
Themes: Texas blues storytelling· departure and loss· personal relationships
Career context: Released in 1963, Goin' Away is Lightnin' Hopkins' first album for the famed label Vee-Jay Records, marking a significant moment in his career following a series of local recordings. This album showcases his transition from regional popularity to broader recognition within the blues genre, highlighting his unique style and narrative prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: Muddy Waters· John Lee Hooker· Howlin' Wolf