What makes Good-bye Lizelle by Mark Olson notable?

This album is significant for its critical reception, earning praise for its lyrical depth and Olson's distinctive voice. It represents a return to his roots while attracting attention from both folk enthusiasts and longtime fans, showcasing the enduring appeal of his storytelling ability. Released in 2014, Good-bye Lizelle is Mark Olson's first solo album after a long career as part of the Jayhawks and subsequent projects. At this point, Olson was exploring a more personal sound, highlighting his evolution as a songwriter following his departure from the mainstream music scene.

How many songs are on Good-bye Lizelle?

Good-bye Lizelle has 11 tracks, running approximately 3 minutes.

Good-bye Lizelle

Mark Olson · 2014

3 min · 11 tracks · country music

A delicate blend of folk and country, infused with nostalgia and introspection that evokes distant memories.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Poison Oleander — The track captures Olson's signature storytelling style through vivid imagery and melancholic reflections on love and loss.
→
Which World Is Ours? — With its contemplative lyrics, this song delves into existential themes, highlighting Olson's ability to weave profound questions into accessible melodies.
→
Say You Are the River — This track stands out for its haunting melody and emotional weight, encapsulating the album’s exploration of longing and connection.

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 blends folk and country with strong narratives, though it doesn't break new ground in its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft percussion, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the storytelling aspect without overshadowing the lead vocals.
The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for reflective moments that contrast with the more upbeat earlier songs.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Lizelle Djan
2 Running Circles
3 Poison Oleander 3:52
4 Heaven's Shelter
5 All These Games
6 Cherry Thieves
7 Which World Is Ours?
8 Long Distance Runner
9 Say You Are the River
10 Jesse in an Old World
11 Go-Between Butterfly

What to play next

Listen next

Spokeswoman of the Bright Sun

2017

Go back to

Many Colored Kite

2010

Full Mark Olson discography Artists like Mark Olson

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata