What makes Golden Sings That Have Been Sung by Ryley Walker notable?

Golden Sings That Have Been Sung received critical acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting its sophisticated musicianship and emotional depth. The album's fusion of folk and jazz influences resonated particularly well within the indie community, leading to a solid presence on various best-of-year lists for 2016. By the time Ryley Walker released Golden Sings That Have Been Sung in 2016, he had already established himself within the indie folk scene with his previous albums. This record followed his acclaimed 2015 album, Primrose Green, showcasing his continued evolution as a songwriter and guitarist, as he delves deeper into complex arrangements and lyrical themes.

How many songs are on Golden Sings That Have Been Sung?

Golden Sings That Have Been Sung has 9 tracks, running approximately 81 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Golden Sings That Have Been Sung

Ryley Walker · 2016

81 min · 9 tracks · indie folk

A tapestry of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics that melds folk traditions with modern sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Halfwit in Me — Opening the album, this track sets a reflective tone with its layered instrumentation and Walker's contemplative lyrics about self-awareness and vulnerability.
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Funny Thing She Said — This track showcases Walker's knack for storytelling through music, blending intricate guitar patterns with poignant lyrics that explore the complexities of relationships.
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Sullen Mind — A standout with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song exemplifies Walker's ability to evoke deep emotion while intertwining folk elements with a more progressive sound.

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 intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics, blending folk and jazz influences effectively.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature complex guitar arrangements that intertwine with the vocals, creating a layered sound.
Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of introspection and personal reflection, with a conversational tone.

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

Influence 2/10

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.