Hell-On
Neko Case · 2018
52 min · 12 tracks · country music
A haunting blend of Americana and indie rock, layered with Neko Case's evocative vocals and intricate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hell‐On — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and resilience, blending atmospheric instrumentation with poignant lyrics that evoke a sense of urgency.
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Curse of the I‐5 Corridor — This track showcases Case’s narrative style, weaving a tale that reflects on personal journeys through a vivid landscape, making it both relatable and introspective.
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Last Lion of Albion — With its powerful imagery and emotional depth, this song serves as a bold statement on legacy and loss, highlighting Case's lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and unique structures but has a moderate impact within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a gradual build-up of instrumentation, setting a haunting tone.
- The lyrics across the album often utilize vivid imagery and personal storytelling, creating a narrative thread that connects many of the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing for reflective moments
- introspective themes for deep thinking
- haunting melodies for late nights
- consistent flow for focused listening
- atmospheric soundscapes for solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy experiences
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Hell-On is Neko Case's fifth solo studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You from 2013. This album arrives after a period of personal reflection and artistic exploration, showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter and performer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laura Veirs· Jenny Lewis· Phoebe Bridgers
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hell‐On 4:11
- 2 Last Lion of Albion 3:38
- 3 Halls of Sarah 3:53
- 4 Bad Luck 3:59
- 5 Curse of the I‐5 Corridor 7:01
- 6 Gumball Blue 4:14
- 7 Dirty Diamond 3:44
- 8 Oracle of the Maritimes 4:25
- 9 Winnie 3:54
- 10 Sleep All Summer 5:04
- 11 My Uncle’s Navy 4:14
- 12 Pitch or Honey 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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