What makes Good as Gold! by The Country Gentlemen notable?

Good as Gold! is notable for its critical reception, being recognized among bluegrass enthusiasts and cited for its authentic representation of the genre during a time when it was experiencing commercial resurgence. The album reflects a pivotal moment for the band, reinforcing their position as key figures in bluegrass music through both traditional and original compositions. Released in 1983, Good as Gold! arrived during The Country Gentlemen's prominent years in the bluegrass scene, following their acclaimed album Boyhood's End from 1981. This record showcases their continued evolution, blending classic elements with contemporary themes, solidifying their legacy in the genre.

How many songs are on Good as Gold!?

Good as Gold! has 12 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Good as Gold!

The Country Gentlemen · 1983

32 min · 12 tracks · bluegrass music

A vibrant tapestry of bluegrass harmonies woven with heartfelt storytelling and traditional instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Good as Gold — The title track captures the essence of optimism and resilience, serving as an anthem that resonates deeply within the context of working-class struggles.
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I Just Got Tired of Being Poor — This track combines wry humor with poignant commentary on economic hardship, exemplifying the band's ability to blend storytelling with musicality.
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Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good — A standout moment where sincerity meets spiritual yearning, this song has become a beloved staple in the bluegrass repertoire for its relatable message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and traditional execution but lacks standout cohesion and distinctiveness within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, including banjo, mandolin, and acoustic guitar across all tracks.
Vocal harmonies are layered prominently, with multiple singers often sharing verses rather than alternating by song.
Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements typical of bluegrass, with lyrics that reflect personal and communal experiences.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Good as Gold 2:30
2 I Just Got Tired of Being Poor 2:23
3 Guysboro Train 2:52
4 Hard Times 2:48
5 When They Ring Those Golden Bells 2:51
6 Someone Is Looking for Someone Like You 2:54
7 I’ve Gone Back to Being Me 3:12
8 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You 3:18
9 Four Walls Around Me 2:16
10 Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good 2:28
11 Night Ridin’ 2:18
12 Detour 2:46

What to play next

Listen next

The Country Gentlemen Featuring Ricky Skaggs

1987

Go back to

River Bottom

1981

Full The Country Gentlemen discography Artists like The Country Gentlemen

bluegrass music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata