In Field & Town cover

In Field & Town

Hayden · 2008

36 min · 11 tracks · indie folk

Intimate melodies intertwine with earnest lyrics, crafting a reflective tapestry of life’s simple yet profound moments.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In Field & Town — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending vivid imagery with a sense of nostalgia that resonates throughout Hayden's work.
  • →
    Did I Wake Up Beside You? — This track stands out with its contemplative lyrics and gentle instrumentation, capturing a moment of vulnerability and intimacy that defines the album's emotional core.
  • →
    Lonely Security Guard — This song features a poignant narrative driven by a relatable character, showcasing Hayden's skill in storytelling through music and adding depth to the album's thematic landscape.

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 features introspective songwriting and varied pacing, making it engaging while maintaining a cohesive feel.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate reflections on everyday life
  • short tracks for quick listening
  • melodic storytelling during quiet moments
  • thoughtful melodies for introspective moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
In Field & Town is Hayden's fifth studio album, released after his 2006 album, Elk-Lake Serenade. By this point in his career, Hayden had established himself as a prominent figure in the Canadian indie folk scene, known for his introspective songwriting and unique vocal style. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into themes of personal reflection and everyday experiences.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Nick Drake

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 In Field & Town 3:52
  • 2 More Than Alive 3:10
  • 3 The Van Song 2:48
  • 4 Worthy of Your Esteem 3:29
  • 5 Damn This Feeling 3:22
  • 6 Did I Wake Up Beside You? 5:04
  • 7 Weight of the World 1:43
  • 8 Where and When 3:18
  • 9 Lonely Security Guard 4:29
  • 10 The Hardest Part 2:23
  • 11 Barely Friends 3:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata