Is Gossip in the Grain a good place to start with Ray LaMontagne?

Yes, Gossip in the Grain is recommended as a starting point for new Ray LaMontagne listeners. A blend of earthy folk melodies and introspective lyrics underpinned by a soulful, gritty vocal delivery. Gossip in the Grain is Ray LaMontagne's third studio album, following the commercially successful and critically acclaimed Trouble. Released in 2008, this album marked a period of artistic maturation for LaMontagne as he embraced a more diverse sound palette while still maintaining his signature emotional depth.

Who is Gossip in the Grain for?

Gossip in the Grain works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective listening on quiet evenings and emotional depth for thoughtful engagement.

How many songs are on Gossip in the Grain?

Gossip in the Grain has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Gossip in the Grain

Ray LaMontagne · 2008

45 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A blend of earthy folk melodies and introspective lyrics underpinned by a soulful, gritty vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Are the Best Thing Start here — This track is a vibrant fusion of folk and soul that showcases LaMontagne's ability to write catchy, memorable hooks while maintaining heartfelt lyricism.
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Let It Be Me — This song highlights LaMontagne's vulnerability, with its tender vocals and poignant lyrics reflecting themes of love and longing.
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Winter Birds — With its haunting arrangement and evocative imagery, this track exemplifies LaMontagne's skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes that evoke deep emotion.
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Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's a Shame) — Here, LaMontagne combines storytelling with a bluesy undertone, showcasing his range both vocally and lyrically through compelling character-driven narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar folk templates.

What we noticed

The first track features a prominent horn section that sets a lively tone, while subsequent tracks alternate between upbeat and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album closes with a title track that gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a rich instrumental outro.

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

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 reflective moments
introspective listening on quiet evenings
emotional depth for thoughtful engagement
soulful melodies for cozy gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified LaMontagne's reputation and commercial success after Trouble.
Themes: earthy nostalgia· winter landscapes· heartfelt longing
Career context: Gossip in the Grain is Ray LaMontagne's third studio album, following the commercially successful and critically acclaimed Trouble. Released in 2008, this album marked a period of artistic maturation for LaMontagne as he embraced a more diverse sound palette while still maintaining his signature emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Iron & Wine· Damien Rice· Nick Drake