What makes If Not Now Then When? by Ethan Johns notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, showcasing Johns' songwriting prowess and musicianship. It was noted for its authentic sound, leading to increased recognition within the indie rock scene and helped establish him as a solo artist after years of production work. If Not Now Then When? is Ethan Johns' debut solo album, released in 2012 after a successful career as a producer and musician. Having worked with notable artists like Ryan Adams and Kings of Leon, this album marked his transition from behind the mixing board to center stage as a performer.

How many songs are on If Not Now Then When??

If Not Now Then When? has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

If Not Now Then When?

Ethan Johns · 2012

36 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A reflective blend of rootsy rock and intimate storytelling that invites listeners into a world of personal and universal themes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hello Sunshine — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its warm melodies and poignant lyrics about seeking light amidst darkness. It captures the essence of Johns' lyrical style, blending optimism with introspective themes.
→
Morning Blues — This song features a laid-back groove paired with evocative storytelling, illustrating the struggle between hope and despair. Its relatable narrative resonates well with listeners navigating their own challenges.
→
Whip Poor Will — A standout track that highlights Johns' vocal range and emotional depth, it dives into themes of longing and reflection. The haunting arrangement complements the lyrical imagery beautifully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends rootsy rock with personal storytelling, showcasing solid songwriting and cohesive pacing.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove with layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more stripped-down arrangement.
Several songs feature a call-and-response vocal style, creating an engaging dialogue between the lead vocals and backing harmonies.
The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection and completion.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 Hello Sunshine 3:08
2 Morning Blues 3:44
3 Eden 3:51
4 Red Rooster Blue 3:32
5 The Turning 4:07
6 Rally 3:25
7 Don’t Reach Too Far 2:39
8 Whip Poor Will 5:03
9 Willow 3:26
10 The Long Way Round 3:27

What to play next

Listen next

The Reckoning

2014

Full Ethan Johns discography Artists like Ethan Johns

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata