Here's the Tender Coming
The Unthanks · 2009
54 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music
Haunting harmonies intertwine with traditional melodies, evoking the rich tapestry of English folk storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Annachie Gordon — This track stands out for its dramatic narrative and intricate vocal harmonies, embodying the album's storytelling prowess.
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Sad February — With its melancholic melodies and poignant lyrics, this song encapsulates the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.
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The Testimony of Patience Kershaw — This powerful retelling of a historical tale showcases the group's ability to blend social commentary with traditional music forms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The Unthanks blend traditional and original folk elements with strong harmonies, creating a distinctive yet cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- Many tracks utilize a slow to mid-tempo pace, creating a reflective atmosphere that allows the storytelling to unfold gradually.
- The instrumentation often includes piano, strings, and acoustic guitar, which complement the vocal arrangements without overpowering them.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- dynamic narrative progression
- haunting emotional depth
- long, immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing
- contemplative storytelling experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Here's the Tender Coming marked The Unthanks' third studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Cruel Sister. By this point, they had established themselves as a distinctive voice in contemporary folk music, blending traditional songs with modern sensibilities and showcasing their evolving artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bellowhead· Kate Rusby· Seth Lakeman
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Nobody Knew She Was There
The verse subtly shifts perspective, revealing an unseen character's internal struggles against the backdrop of societal neglect.
This shift emphasizes the isolation felt by the character, creating a stark contrast between personal experience and public indifference.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Because He Was a Bonny Lad 2:36
- 2 Sad February 4:35
- 3 Annachie Gordon 8:15
- 4 Lucky Gilchrist 4:51
- 5 The Testimony of Patience Kershaw 4:05
- 6 Living by the Water 6:08
- 7 Where've Yer Bin Dick? 0:47
- 8 Nobody Knew She Was There 5:53
- 9 Flowers of the Town 3:05
- 10 Not Much Luck in Our House 0:47
- 11 At First She Starts 3:38
- 12 Here's the Tender Coming 5:28
- 13 Betsy Bell 4:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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