Released 40 years ago
I elfte timmen
Cornelis Vreeswijk · 1986
42 min · 12 tracks · blues
A tapestry of blues-infused folk melodies interwoven with poignant storytelling and vivid imagery reflecting everyday struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Somliga går i trasiga skor Start here — This track opens the album with a reflection on social inequalities, setting the tone for Vreeswijk's blend of humor and poignancy throughout. Its catchy melody paired with sharp lyrics captures the essence of his storytelling style.
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Ångbåtsblues — Incorporating traditional blues elements, this song creates a nostalgic atmosphere while addressing themes of loss and longing. It showcases Vreeswijk's ability to merge musical genres seamlessly.
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Felicia adjö — This poignant farewell ballad encapsulates deep emotional resonance, highlighting Vreeswijk's lyrical depth and ability to convey complex feelings through simple yet powerful narratives.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- melancholic humor for thoughtful listeners
- narrative flow throughout the album
- intimate storytelling with warmth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued relevance and artistic vitality before his passing.
- Themes
- Swedish social inequalities· nostalgic blues longing· farewell ballad poignancy
- Career context
- Released in 1986, I elfte timmen was Cornelis Vreeswijk's last studio album before his passing. By this time, he had already established a significant legacy in Swedish music, known for blending folk and blues influences with storytelling. This album arrived after a prolific career marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bert Jansch· Nick Drake· John Martyn
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Dikt till en gammal dambekant
The moment shifts from reminiscing about past encounters to an unexpected reflection on mortality and regret.
This structural pivot deepens the emotional weight of the narrative, moving from nostalgia to a more profound contemplation that challenges the listener’s perspective.
Tracklist
- 1 Somliga går i trasiga skor Start here 4:06
- 2 Ångbåtsblues 3:22
- 3 Telegram från bombad by 2:31
- 4 Tjena assistenten 4:07
- 5 Ballad om Fredrik Åkare och den söta fröken Cecilia Lind 3:26
- 6 Fåglar 4:07
- 7 Jag hade en gång en båt 4:02
- 8 Skyddsrumsboogie 2:53
- 9 Rörande vindriktning 3:47
- 10 Salig Lasse liten 4:08
- 11 Dikt till en gammal dambekant 2:18
- 12 Felicia adjö 3:16
What to play next
Till Fatumeh – Repport från de osaligas ängder
1987
This album continues the reflective storytelling with a similar bluesy folk sound.
Mannen som älskade träd
1985
It sets the stage with rich narratives and musical themes that lead into 'I elfte timmen'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Shares vivid storytelling and social themes in a blend of folk and blues melodies.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Both explore deep emotional landscapes through poignant lyrics and a folk-blues sound.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Combines introspective lyrics with a melancholic acoustic atmosphere, echoing similar blues-infused folk vibes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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