In the Rainbow Rain
Okkervil River · 2018
48 min · 10 tracks · alternative country
A shimmering blend of introspective lyrics and melodic instrumentation that evokes warmth and yearning throughout.
Top tracks — play these first
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Famous Tracheotomies — Opening with vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, this track sets the thematic tone of vulnerability and resilience that permeates the album.
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Love Somebody — This song captures a poignant exploration of love and connection through layered melodies, showcasing the band's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating music.
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Don't Move Back to LA — With its candid reflections on personal choices and nostalgia, this track stands out as an anthem for self-discovery and moving forward.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with varied instrumentation, creating a warm yet dynamic listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, creating a rich texture as they progress.
- The instrumentation often shifts between acoustic and electric elements, with moments of quiet introspection followed by more expansive arrangements.
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective flow
- vibrant melodies for introspection
- thoughtful lyrics with rich instrumentation
- suitable for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek immediate gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a renewed creative direction with sonic experimentation.
- Career context
- In the Rainbow Rain is Okkervil River's seventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed Away released in 2016. At this point, the band was navigating a renewed creative direction after lineup changes and exploring more personal themes in their songwriting. This release marked an evolution in their sound, showcasing a more optimistic and reflective approach compared to their previous work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Decemberists· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Famous Tracheotomies 4:56
- 2 The Dream and the Light 6:49
- 3 Love Somebody 4:13
- 4 Family Song 5:10
- 5 Pulled Up the Ribbon 4:11
- 6 Don't Move Back to LA 4:38
- 7 Shelter Song 4:59
- 8 How It Is 3:34
- 9 External Actor 4:08
- 10 Human Being Song 6:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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