What makes Honky Tonk Angel by Ellen McIlwaine notable?

The album is notable for its critical reception and influence on the Americana genre, showcasing McIlwaine's ability to reinterpret traditional songs with fresh energy. The cover of 'It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels' received significant attention for its feminist perspective, resonating within the context of the early 1970s women's movement in music. Released in 1972, Honky Tonk Angel marked Ellen McIlwaine's second studio album following her debut, which had begun to establish her as a distinctive voice in the music scene. At this time, McIlwaine was transitioning toward a more personal songwriting style, melding her diverse influences into a cohesive sound that would define her early career.

How many songs are on Honky Tonk Angel?

Honky Tonk Angel has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Honky Tonk Angel

Ellen McIlwaine · 1972

37 min · 10 tracks

A captivating blend of blues, rock, and folk, intertwining soulful guitar riffs with heartfelt storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Toe Hold — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious groove and playful lyrics, establishing McIlwaine's unique vocal style and guitar prowess right from the start.
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Can't Find My Way Home — Her rendition transforms this classic into an emotional exploration of longing, highlighting her ability to infuse personal depth into well-known material.
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Wade in the Water — This track showcases her exceptional guitar skills and deep connection to spiritual themes, blending blues and gospel influences seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and distinct guitar work, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Toe Hold', establishing a mid-tempo pace that continues through the first half.
Tracks like 'Ode to Billy Joe' and 'Can't Find My Way Home' feature intricate guitar work that complements the storytelling lyrics.
The final track, 'Wade in the Water', shifts to a more reflective tone, creating a sense of closure as it slows down the overall tempo.

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: 7/10
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 Toe Hold 4:22
2 Weird of Hermiston 5:06
3 Up From the Skies 4:38
4 Losing You 2:00
5 Ode to Billy Joe 3:48
6 Pinebo (My Story) 2:41
7 Can't Find My Way Home 3:41
8 Wings of a Horse 4:02
9 It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels 2:38
10 Wade in the Water 4:50

What to play next

Listen next

We the People

1973

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata